After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his sixth goal for Barcelona on Sunday, Xavi Hernandez made a thinly disguised dig at Arsenal.
Aubameyang, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Arsenal on February 2, scored the third goal in a comfortable four-goal win over Osasuna at Camp Nou in La Liga.
The Gabonese striker has now scored six goals in six appearances for his new club, indicating that he is off to a strong start in Spanish football.
Following completing the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City and then securing the loan signing of La Masia graduate Adama Traore from Wolves, Aubameyang arrived after Dani Alves.
Arsenal were eager to expedite Aubameyang’s permanent departure by waiving the transfer price due to the considerable wage savings.
While the Gunners have been in terrific form recently, it looks that the trade has benefited all parties – at least in the near term.
Barca’s recovery continued with a comfortable league victory over Osasuna, with new signing Torres scoring twice and Aubameyang also scoring.
Xavi’s side is currently resurgent in both the league and the Europa League, as they aim to qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing in the top four.
After the match on Sunday night, Xavi told reporters: “Aubameyang is a gift that has come down from the sky.
“It’s not just about [the goals], but also about his training and professionalism. [All of the players] set an example for him.”
Following his ostracization at Arsenal, Aubameyang has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch after a two-month absence from the first team.
Xavi said of the striker after he scored twice in the team’s recent 4-1 victory over Valencia: “Throughout his career, he has been a goal scorer.
“When he gets his own area, he performs admirably.
“He is responsible, bright, humble, and upbeat. I’m ecstatic about him.
“His confidence will be boosted by the two goals.”
“Since Aubameyang arrived, he has been working hard,” Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets said of the striker after the win at Mestalla. We know he hasn’t gotten much playing time this season.
“He’s a fantastic player, and having him in the squad for free is extremely beneficial to us.”
After being knocked from the Spanish Supercopa and Copa del Rey in January, Barcelona is now on a 10-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.