AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal will meet on Sunday as the Premier League returns to action following the latest international break.
Both sides have been performing to impressive heights this season, with Eddie Howe’s side currently sitting in sixth place, whilst Unai Emery has led his team on a 16-game unbeaten run and sit just ahead of the Cherries.
Both teams have been able to find the net regularly this season, with Callum Wilson and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appearing to enjoy themselves in front of goal.
The duo have become important figures for their respective sides, but who comes out on top when they are compared?
Callum Wilson
The 26-year-old has been blighted with injuries during his time at Bournemouth, having picked up multiple ACL injuries that have meant he has spent significant periods of time on the sidelines.
He has shown that he can perform at the top-level for a while now and he appears to have taken things to a new level this season as he looks to try and remain healthy.
Wilson currently has seven goals to his name, whilst also having five assists and has certainly become an important figure for Howe’s side.
His performances recently have earned him recognition from the senior England squad, where he scored on his debut against the United States of America, whilst some of the league’s biggest clubs are thought to be keeping tabs on how well he continues to play.
There are still some areas of his game that he can improve on, with his ability to find the net more consistently being one, however, there is no doubt how important he is to the Cherries.
TT Grade: A-
Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang
Aubameyang arrived at the Emirates Stadium last January from Borussia Dortmund with a huge price tag attached to his name – £56million in fact. However, that appears to have been money well spent at the moment.
The Gabon international, who came with a certain expectation, started to justify the money spent on him when he netted a goal on his debut against Everton and finished the season with 10 goals and four assists in his 13 appearances in the league for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Now, under Emery, he has continued that fine form in the Premier League as he has notched seven goals in 10 appearances so far, creating a lethal attacking partnership with Alexandre Lacazette.
However, the Spaniard has the clinical Aubameyang playing out on the wing, which is not always the player’s favoured position, so it remains to be seen how long he will remain happy, although his record in front of goal looks even more impressive than it previously did.
TT Grade: A+
The Verdict:
Both players are in top form currently and are very important components for their respective sides, however, the Gunners’ attacker takes this battle.
Aubameyang’s record in front of goal for Arsenal since joining last January has been impeccable and the 29-year-old has not shown signs of slowing down just yet, despite being played out in a wide position.
There is no doubt that Wilson is a solid attacker, and could potentially seal a big move away from Bournemouth in the future, however, his inability to be consistent in front of goal could be his downfall.
Bournemouth and Arsenal fans – thoughts?
