Kevin Campbell has stated that Nicolas Pepe isn’t being picked to play for Arsenal because his ‘attitude can’t be right’, as he told the Highbury Squad Podcast.
The last time Pepe played for Arsenal in the Premier League was in October when he came off for five minutes against Leicester.
On Monday night, Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Everton at Goodison Park, with Pepe, once again, being an unused substitute.
Eddie Nketiah came on ahead of Arsenal’s big-money signing and Pepe’s reaction from the bench when that call was made was a picture for all to see.
Given that Nketiah’s contract at Arsenal expires next summer and it looks like he won’t sign on the dotted line.
It raises the question as to what Pepe is doing so wrong that he can’t even come on from the bench, as Campbell offered his pennies worth.
“Whether people believe it or not,” said Campbell. “How you train and your attitude is so important in and around the team.
“A manager’s job isn’t just the first XI. The first XI, looks after themselves, especially if they are winning. Then the next key is the substitutes – now you have a raft of players to pick from and the manager’s going to go for the player whose attitude is right.
“If you’re doing what you are doing and somebody is being really helpful and putting the work in. Then, there is another one sulking. Who are you going to lean towards?
“I believe that’s what Mikel Arteta has done. That’s why he has chosen Eddie Nketiah because his attitude is right. Pepe’s attitude can’t be right, else he would be coming on.”
This is now becoming pretty alarming for Pepe because the big-money Unai Emery signing is becoming a major problem.
Ever since the Ivory Coast star stepped through the club’s door, his price tag and performances have been questioned.
Those within Arsenal remained patient, overly patient at times, but he just couldn’t get a consistent run of form going.
Towards the back end of last season, he showed glimpses of what he is all about, but now he has fallen even further behind and could be one of the biggest transfer mistakes the club has made.
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