Arteta protects Pepe at a price
MOLDE V ARSENAL 5.55PM, BT SPORT
MIKEL ARTETA has challenged Nicolas Pepe to put his red- card woe behind him and resurrect his Arsenal career this evening.
Arteta was furious with Pepe for his headbutt on Ezgjan Alioski in Sunday’s goalless draw at Leeds and the £ 72million man has issued a public apology.
The Arsenal manager will give the Ivory Coast winger, right, a chance to show he has learned his lesson by throwing him into Europa League action against Molde before he starts a domestic three- match ban.
Arteta said: “Is his future on the line? Absolutely not. I don’t like that type of statement. I will give Nico my full support. He
apologised personally and publicly and that is done. Let’s move on.
“He had a really good reaction with the way he apologised and understood his responsibility.
“Hopefully, in this game we can see the player we want to see. He needs to feel that myself and the club are going to protect him. We are giving him time.
“With his ability – I am going to be very demanding because I know what he can do. He needs to deal with it. It’s in his hands.”
Pepe scored just five Premier League goals last season after his big- money move from Lille.
But Arteta is convinced the forward can fulfil his potential at Arsenal and will not give up on him. The manager said: “The club made a huge investment in him and obviously people expect a lot from him.
“For attacking players, it’s the most difficult thing to be consistent. But this is why he is here and he needs to embrace that challenge and go for it.”
Contrary to reports in Norway, Arteta said Arsenal have shown no interest in Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.
And he poured cold water on suggestions Jack Wilshere could be brought back to the Emirates on a pay- as- you- play basis.
Arteta said: “I rate him highly. Unfortunately, we haven’t looked at that and we are focused on the players we have.”
ARSENAL ( probable): Runarsson; Soares, Mustafi, Luiz, Maitland- Niles; Xhaka, Ceballos; Nelson, Willock, Pepe; Nketiah.