Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe was challenged by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to improve his performances by showing greater consistency after scoring and assisting in the 4-1 Europa League victory over Molde.
Despite the role he played in the victory, Pepe was described by the Evening Standard as having a frustratingly quiet opening 70 minutes to the match before a late breakthrough for the Gunners, with Pepe as a central figure. He scored his third goal of the season and later set up Joe Willock’s 88th-minute clincher.
Since signing from Lille in 2019 in a move worth more than £70m, Pepe has struggled to adapt to life in north London. He has managed 11 goals and 12 assists in 53 appearances [Transfermarkt], resulting in a goal involvement ratio of less than one in two games.
He has certainly made a strong impact at times – BBC pundit Garth Crooks compared him with club legend Liam Brady – and the Molde game is testament to that, but Arteta knows Pepe is capable of finding his feet and contributing good displays on a more regular basis.
When asked what needs to be done for Pepe to start more regularly for Arsenal, Arteta was clear as he told Football.London:
“Consistency throughout the game. throughout 90 minutes, in every game, in the final third, the final product has to be better not just from him. We have to put higher demands at the moment. He scored a great goal and another assist and he can do more so he’s on the right path.
“In general consistency wise in the final third we have to finish more things better and we can improve a lot. That goes to every single player.
“Nico scored three goals and he could score 10. Willy [Joe Willock] the same, 3 assists he needs 10. If we don’t have that mindset we can’t become the team we want to be.”
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Arteta is certainly right to publicly demand more, having recently described the Ivorian as “unpredictable“. Pepe has shown his quality before, but he needs to replicate this form on a more regular basis across competitions if he is to impress.
His price tag yield a lot of pressure, but Pepe must show the stoic resolve required to overcome any doubters. Arteta’s challenge may actually be the motivation that Pepe needs to revitalise his form and continue to produce his best form more consistently for Arsenal.
Patience is the watchword; there is every chance that Pepe will pepper the Gunners’ opponents with deadly finishing.
