Returning To The Starting XI, Aubameyang Makes His First Premier League Hat-trick

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returned to Arsenal's starting line-up by scoring his first hat-trick in the Premier League during a 4-2 win against the visitors to Leeds United on Monday morning WIB.

The Gabon forward, who has not started in the last five games for personal reasons, put Arsenal ahead in the 13th minute and then doubled it with a penalty before Hector Bellerin made it 3-0 at halftime.

Aubameyang completed his hat-trick with a header two minutes into the second half.

But Leeds replied. Pascal Struijk's header in the 58th minute revived the visitors' hopes.

When Helder Costa scored again with about 20 minutes remaining, the hosts came close to being broken again several times.

Aubameyang came close to scoring his fourth but the ball hit the post.

Arsenal returned to winning ways after losing league matches twice in succession.

They again overtook Leeds to 10th place with 34 points from 24 games, while Leeds was 11th with 32 points but had one game more left.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult match. Leeds never gave up but in the end, we showed good management," Arsenal captain Aubameyang said.

Thanks @Arsenal and Fans ❤️🙏🏽🤟🏽and of course my Boys pic.twitter.com/bxUhYzXsLg

— AUBA⚡️ (@Aubameyang7) February 14, 2021

Aubameyang, whose mother is sick, put Arsenal ahead when he cut in from the left and beat Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier with a shot at the near post.

Aubameyang's next goal was blocked, but Arsenal was awarded a penalty when Bukayo Saka raced into the box forcing Liam Cooper to block it.

Despite initially pointing to the spot, referee Stuart Attwell looked back at the incident from the VAR sidelines and changed his mind.

But 10 minutes later it was Meslier who made a foul in the penalty box.

Aubameyang scored from the penalty spot to double Arsenal's lead and Meslier was conceded again by Bellerin's close-range shot in the 45th minute.

Arsenal went wild when Aubameyang headed in Emile Smith-Rowe's cross in the 47th minute but Leeds snapped up.

Struijk's first hard header and then Costa's slick finish following Tyler Roberts' pass sent Leeds to regain hope. But Leeds failed to score again.

What a 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 Valentine's Day! 🥰#ARSLEE

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 14, 2021