Mikel Arteta has revealed why Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went straight down the tunnel after being substituted against Newcastle.
The Gabon striker ended a one-month wait for a Premier League goal by notching two against the Magpies in Arsenal's 3-0 victory on Monday night.
His second strike actually came with his last touch of the ball. The Gunners' skipper was then replaced by Willian for the final 15 minutes and looked in rather a hurry to get back into the dressing room, creating some fears that he may have picked up an injury.
Speaking to press after the match, Mikel Arteta has now explained Aubameyang's actions.
"It was a little stomach problem I think and he had to come off." said the Arsenal manager with a smirk across his face.
The 32-year-old would doubtless have wanted to stay on the field to grab a hattrick after looking back to his best in the second half against Newcastle.
He had admittedly had a frustrating first period in which he missed two presentable chances, and it looked as though it might be another baron night for Gabon striker.
But for Arteta the fact that he was able to bounce back so well in the second was a sign of the player's character.
"That’s what he’s done through his career," he said.
"And mentally you have to be really strong in order to do that. He’s come out of a difficult period. We’ve been missing his goals a lot.
"Today he’s come back scoring two and contributing to the team to win which is exactly what we need from him. Really pleased for him. "
