Arsenal's clash with Stoke was a sleepy encounter, played out in front of a far-from-full and apathetic Emirates crowd and it certainly wasn't a 3-0 game.

Paul Lambert's Potters did not play with the urgency of a side looking to avoid relegation or sensing that their hosts have more than one eye on the Europa League, on which the success of their season realistically rests on.

Nevertheless, the scoreline ended up 3-0 and January signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang  - who has 56 caps for Gabon - was the man who netted the first two goals, showing Champions League class and a clinical edge to take the game away from the visitors.

His game was about more than goals but four shots, three on target and two goals are good numbers for a man who needs to start hitting the back of the net on a regular basis to please the Gunners fans.

Two dribbles and one key pass show that the frontman is more than just a poacher and that is further good news for Arsene Wenger, who demands that his forwards get involved in all elements of the play.

Aubameyang is cup-tied for the Europa League but if his team-mates do manage to qualify for next season's Champions League via that route, on this form he will be a valuable, clinical weapon.

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