Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has heaped praise on the shoulders of Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after his hat-trick helped the Gunners beat Leeds United 4-2 at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
The Gabon international, who was one of five changes made to the starting line-up by manager Mikel Arteta, scored twice before the half time interval ahead of completing his treble just two minutes after the restart, ensuring he played a key role in helping the Gunners halt their three-game winless run.
For his first goal of the contest, Aubameyang cut in from the left, got the better of Luke Ayling, and drilled a low, powerful effort into the bottom corner, which wrong-footed Ilan Meslier in the Leeds goal.
The striker netted his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot, after Meslier was guilty of bringing down Bukayo Saka inside the box, before Hector Bellerin popped up to ensure Arteta's side went into the half time interval three goals to the good.
Aubameyang sealed his hat-trick just two minutes after the interval, nodding home Emile Smith Rowe's cross from close range.
Although Arsenal appeared to have the points signed and sealed, Leeds did threaten a comeback, scoring twice through a powerful header from Pascal Struijk and substitute Helder Costa.
However, the day was to belong to Aubameyang, as his treble ensured the Gunners climbed above Leeds in the table and into the top ten.
While Aubameyang was scooping the match ball, his performance was earning rave reviews from the Arsenal fans, watching pundits and former Leicester City and England striker Lineker, who took to social media to lavish the attacker's performance with praise.
On Twitter, Lineker wrote: "Lovely bloke, great goal scorer. Well played @Aubameyang 7."
Having faced difficulties off the pitch in recent weeks, the confidence that the striker will have taken from getting back amongst the goals will be huge for him between now and the end of the season, as he has taken his tally of goals for the campaign in all competitions to 11.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Aubameyang said: “For sure, it means a lot to me, I am a guy who always works hard and tries to give my best for first, my family and for my team as well.
"Yes, it’s been a tough time for me but now it’s time to get my smile back, score goals and win games.
“From everyone around the club, everyone was giving a lot of love to me, my mum and my family, so I’m really happy and really proud to be part of this family."
