Arteta tells Pepe he expects more ahead of Brighton vs Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has told Nicolas Pepe he is not meeting his demands ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash at Brighton.
Pepe has struggled to show his best on a consistent basis since joining the Gunners for a club record £72million last summer, and was left on the bench for the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday.
Arteta’s side have faced a short turnaround for today’s visit to Brighton, with the remaining games of the Premier League season packed in tightly to get the season finished following football’s enforced hiatus.
And with the games coming thick and fast, Arsenal boss Arteta has told 25-year-old Pepe he wants to see his best far more often.
“It’s clear that his consistency has not been at the level he can produce,” Arteta said in quotes reported by Metro.
“He’s the first to accept that. That’s what I’m going to demand of a player of his level and calibre. He has to be producing every three days at the level that he can be.”
Arteta is no doubt about Pepe’s talent, but urged the winger to match his ability with effort as Arsenal bid to mount a late charge for a European place.
“He has to be a player that can make the difference, that is a threat, that generates fear in the opponent and gives us a big threat in the final third,” said the manager.
“His work rate has to be related as well with that kind of performance. He knows that.
“He’s such a nice kid. He’s trying really hard. You have to accept as well, the timing and the way he has adapted for the first year.
“A lot has happened for him and we have to understand that. He’s willing and I’m sure we’re going to get the best out of that. I’m convinced of that.”
Pepe has so far scored six goals and provided eight assists in 32 appearances for Arsenal.
And Arteta says the Ivory Coast must produce those moments more often.
“It’s taking the flash moments into a consistent mode. That, for a creative wide player to do it, is a big task,” said Arteta.
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“Every detail has to be taken into account because it makes a huge difference. His mentality as well, his mindset has to all the time be like that; to win the game for the team.
“He’s one of the players in the squad that can do it and must take the responsibility.”