Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has claimed on his side’s official website that he almost started Nicolas Pepe against Aston Villa yesterday.
Pepe scored for Arsenal in midweek in their Europa League victory over Molde, but he was dropped to the bench yesterday.
Arteta decided to start Willian, but his decision did not pay off in the slightest.
Willian was poor as Arsenal crashed to a 3-0 defeat against Villa, with Arteta’s team selection coming under fire.
Many Gunners supporters suggest that Pepe, who is on a £105,000-a-week contract (Goal), should have been backed to start.
And when asked if he was close to picking the Ivorian, Arteta admitted that he did almost start.
“Yes, but me personally, more than just the stats I looked at many other things,” he said.
“If we just focus on that, of course there are certain players that have to play. We looked at other things as well without forgetting what you mentioned.”
Arteta came out after the game and suggested that Arsenal may look to re-shape their attack after yesterday’s defeat, so Pepe’s first-team chances could increase soon.
The Gunners were simply too far off the pace yesterday, and now sit in 11th place in the Premier League table, with concerns rapidly forming around their results.
Arteta’s side are next in action in two weeks against Leeds United, when a much improved performance will be required if they are to pick up the three points.
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