[ad_1]
By
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang silenced his critics with a hat trick that included a spectacular overhead goal in Marseille’s 4-3 Europa League win over Ajax.
The well travelled striker – who previously played in the Premier League for Arsenal and Chelsea – had struggled to make an impact in the south of France before Friday’s (AEDT) Group B clash at the Stade Velodrome.
Two of his goals were penalties – including the winner in stoppage time – but it was the 34-year-old’s athleticism for his second that captured the imagination.
Watch football’s biggest clubs and best players in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League and Europa League, streaming ad free, live and exclusive on Stan Sport
“Aubameyang had only scored once in nine starts domestically before this game,” Lars Sivertsen said on Stan Sport.
“A difficult few months for Marseille but he does that rather well doesn’t he? He has received quite a lot of criticism for not scoring enough goals or really performing enough for the team. So that’s probably why he’s playing it a little bit cool with the celebration there.
“But this is a big deal for Marseille if they could really get him firing.”
READ MORE: Aussie tennis legend halts press conference after loud thud
READ MORE: Aussie golf star tumbles after horror moment
READ MORE: Teen swimming phenom ends US Olympic champ’s 11-year streak
The victory put Marseille top of Group B on 11 points, ahead of Brighton (10), AEK Athens (four) and Ajax (two).
Ajax are managed by former Melbourne City coach John van ‘t Schip.
Meanwhile, Liverpool advanced to the round of 16 with a game to spare after Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo scored early to set the tone in a 4-0 victory over Austria’s LASK.
Diaz headed in a cross from Joe Gomez for the opener in the 12th minute before Gakpo tapped in Mohamed Salah’s pass three minutes later at Anfield.
Salah made it 3-0 early in the second half in what was his 199th goal for the Reds. Gakpo added his second in stoppage time.
Liverpool are four points clear atop Group E with 12 points.
[ad_2]
