Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ignored three of Mikel Arteta 's "non-negotiables" that led to him being dropped against Southampton
The Gunners' captain was left out of the squad for their 3-0 win over the Saints due to a disciplinary breach.
The Spaniard confirmed the decision before kick-off, explaining: "Unfortunately due to a disciplinary breach. I think we have been very consistent that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club, and he's not involved today."
Arteta refused to reveal the reason behind's Aubayemang omission but whatever he did, the skipper did not adhere to three non-negotiables set out by the head coach during an interview back in August.
Join the debate! Should Arteta take the captain's armband off of Aubameyang? Comment here.
He said: "First of all respect, second commitment, and the third one passion. For me, those three ingredients are non-negotiable.
"You have them and I'm sure we're going to do some great things together."
The Athletic claim Aubameyang was given permission to fly abroad for personal reasons but returned later than agreed and due to Covid-19 protocols, he missed training on Friday - and dropped for Southampton's visit - as a result.
But Arteta remained tight-lipped over the situation following the victory over the Saints.
He said: "He had a disciplinary breach, that applies to everybody. That's a non-negotiable and when that happens he’s out of the team. Whatever happens in the dressing room, I cannot share. I am sorry.
"I’m telling you the reason, I cannot lie, it was that, this is where I stand. From my side, I will never [say what the breach was.]"
Arteta was quizzed on whether the Gabon international would keep the captain's armband, but the Gunners boss refused to answer.
However, there did appear to be a nod from him when asked if Aubameyang's ban was for one game and if he'd be back to face West Ham midweek.
Arsenal were able to cope without their talisman, however, as Alexandre Lacazette started in his place for the second game running.
And it was the Frenchman that opened the scoring for Arteta's men before goals would follow from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel to seal the three points.
Arteta was relieved Arsenal got back to winning ways after a difficult run of form.
He said: "I’m very pleased. After a difficult period, we had two defeats where I don’t think we deserved to lose the games but we did. We started the game a little bit nervy, you could tell that we were carrying that feeling still, but we finished strong.
"I am very happy. It’s a contribution from the whole game, what is required in every moment and then the execution and that’s what we’ve been lacking a little bit, because the intention is there, it’s just doing it more consistently.
"You could see that the team wanted to keep attacking, hit the post twice, a goal disallowed."
