Arteta has said that he is going to demand more from the winger in terms of delivering the goods in every game.
Arteta told Arsenal’s official website about Pepe: “It is clear that [Pepe’s] consistency has not been at the level that he can produce, he is the first one to accept that, that’s what I’m going to demand from a player of his level, calibre.
“He has to be producing every three days at the level that he can be. He has to be a player that makes the difference, that is a threat, generates fear in the opponents and gives us a big threat in the final third and his work-rate has to be related as well with that kind of performance.”
Stats
Pepe has made 17 starts and seven substitute appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season, scoring four goals and providing six assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
The Ivory Coast international has also made two starts and four substitute appearances in the Europa League for the Gunners this campaign, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
Need to step up
Pepe is a good player who has done well in the Europa League, but the winger does need to step up and produce week in and week out in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old should make the most of the chances he will get for the Gunners during the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal forward and Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has suggested that Arteta should include Eddie Nketiah in the starting lineup in the Premier League game against Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon.
Charlie Nicholas told Sky Sports: “Eddie Nketiah looked sharp but then could not get the service.
“I would not have any hesitation about him starting against Brighton. He has put muscle on, and his link-up play was not bad for all he got.
“Aubameyang has to shake a leg. He either wants to stay or he does not. Why not go and win the Golden Boot for yourself?”
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