NICOLAS PEPE is ‘hurting and struggling’ amid Arsenal’s horror run of type, however boss Mikel Arteta has vowed to face by the Ivorian.
The Gunners are with no win in eight video games domestically, following final evening’s 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester Metropolis.
Mikel Arteta continues to work with Nicolas PepeCredit score: Getty Photographs – Getty
Pepe, 25, changed Gabriel Martinelli within the forty ninth minute of the match, however struggled to match the Brazilian’s affect on proceedings.
The Ivorian was beforehand criticised for his red card against Leeds United final month, however did get on the scoresheet from the penalty spot in opposition to Everton on the weekend.
Whereas Pepe is but to search out his greatest type since becoming a member of for £72million final 12 months, Arteta, 38, is not about to activate the membership’s document purchase.
He stated: “I’d all the time defend my gamers.
“No matter I’ve to debate with him, it will likely be internally. Pepe desires to do his greatest and assist as a lot as he presumably can.
“That is what I’m enthusiastic about. It’s my job and if he does not, it’s my fault. He’s making an attempt his greatest. Everyone knows Nico and generally his physique language makes him really feel unhealthy.
“He’s hurting, he’s struggling – imagine me, I’m near him – and he’s making an attempt his greatest.
“He feels the accountability as a result of be is aware of why the membership introduced him right here and he desires to ship that.”
Pepe has struggled to make an affectCredit score: AFP or licensors
The Gunners boss has vowed to face by his gamersCredit score: PA:Press Affiliation
The Gunners’ newest defeat dumped them out of the League Cup by the hands of final 12 months’s winners.
And issues are going no higher within the league, having not received since November 1 in opposition to Manchester United.
Arteta’s aspect at the moment sit fifteenth within the desk, simply 4 factors above the relegation zone.
And Gunners stars, together with Pepe, would stand to lose 25 per cent of their weekly salaries, ought to the unthinkable occur they usually really get relegated.
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