Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted once again in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday afternoon to set a new club record, and Arsene Wenger has explained why he took his most in-form forward off before the match was won.
Fans were incensed when the Gunners' manager decided to remove the ex-Borussia Dortmund man but speaking after the game the Frenchman revealed he had his reasons.
When asked if his Janaury signing was injured, he said he was fine.
"He looked a bit jaded in the end and I wanted to give Lacazette 20 minutes as well. Overall it worked well."
Aubameyang is unable to play in the Europa League due to being cup-tied, leading to some confusion among supporters over why he would be rested for a game on Thursday which he cannot play any part in, especially given how important he is proving to be to Arsenal in the Premier League.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Southampton.
The Gabonese international, who set the north London club back a whopping £56million in the January transfer window, has now scored five in his last four Premier League appearances - a record, according to the Mirror.
Of course, this doesn't mean he is the greatest player to ever pull on the red and white shirt; Arsenal have had more than a few world-class strikers in their time.
But unlike them - we're talking Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Nicolas Anelka and co. - Aubameyang has broken a record for the Gunners in his first seven games for the Emirates giants, meaning he was certainly worth the outlay.
As a result of his effort against the Saints, Aubameyang has now been directly involved in seven goals in his first seven Premier League games (six goals, one assist).
And rather impressively, this is more than any other player in their first seven appearances for the Gunners.
Arsenal had to come from behind against Southampton on Sunday, after Shane Long fired the Saints ahead early into the fixture.
But goals from Aubameyang and a Danny Welbeck double ensured the Gunners took all three points from the match, despite a brief scare when Charlie Austin made it 2-2.
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