Some Arsenal fans on social media have been left perplexed by Mikel Arteta’s decision to substitute Nicolas Pepe against Everton on Friday.
The Ivorian was taken off while the game was 0-0, despite the fact he was playing rather well, and Gunners supporters just can’t understand why.
Of course, there’s the argument that he was being taken off as a precaution ahead of the London club’s crucial Europa League clash next week, but that game is six days away and Pepe only played 20 minutes against Fulham last week in any case.
The winger’s absence in the attack was certainly noticed after he departed the pitch, and Arteta’s call wasn’t helped by the fact that Bukayo Saka put on a rare poor showing.
In the end, it was an error from Bernd Leno that cost Arsenal, but the Gunners’ failure going forward was equally to blame, and Arteta’s decision to take Pepe off has seen him receive a lot of flak.
Here’s what Arsenal fans have been saying on social media…
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