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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Arsenal stars react on Instagram as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores first Barcelona hat-trick

Alexandre Lacazette and Rob Holding have taken to social media to deliver their verdict on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opening his account for Barcelona.

The 32-year-old bid farewell to his former teammates at Arsenal last month as he mutually terminated his contract at the Emirates Stadium which then allowed him to complete a free transfer to the Catalan giants.

Since arriving in Spain, Aubameyang has been eased into action by head coach Xavi Hernandez.

His debut came against Atletico Madrid as a substitute at the beginning of the month before making another appearance off the bench in the derby draw with Espanyol last weekend.

After making his first start in Barcelona colours in the Europa League in the knockout round play-off first-leg against Napoli last Thursday, Aubameyang didn't have to wait too long for his first La Liga start.

Three days later he lead the line against Valencia and marked the occasion in style with a hat-trick.

Whilst he produced a brilliant finish to break his duck for Barcelona and then presented with a simple tap-in for his second, there was a degree of luck about goal number three.

As wonderkid Pedri took aim from range, his effort deflected off Aubameyang and flew into the net with La Liga officials crediting the Gabon international with the goal.

This prompted a brilliant message from the former Gunners captain on Instagram.

"First LaLiga start - first hattrick," he wrote. "Incredible feeling and great team performance!! Special thanks to @pedrigonzalez for the assist, I promise I got your back next time."

As seen in the image above, Lacazette and Holding were among those who reacted to Aubameyang's post, showing they are still keeping an eye on their former teammates' progress in Spain.

The Frenchman was clearly impressed with the hat-trick as he responded with three fire emojis, whilst Holding used a popular phrase that was first coined by YouTube personality Troopz from AFTV.

The Arsenal stars weren't alone in heaping praise on Aubameyang following his hat-trick as Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets labelled his signing as a 'gift'.

"He is working really well, he came here needing minutes but he is getting them now," the Spanish midfielder told Movistar after the 4-1 win at the Mestalla, as per Goal.

"I hope he helps us like this because he is a great player and having him in the squad on a free transfer is a gift."

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