Arsenal Head Coach Mikel Arteta Tears Into Nicolas Pepe After Match Against Leeds United

• Pepe failed to shoot into an empty net to extend Arsenal’s lead. This drew very strong reactions from Arteta’s assistant Albert Stuivernberg
• The Ivorian attacker has not played a lot of games this season and his decision making will be scrutinized once again as Arsenal seek to offload him in the summer
• Despite Pepe’s wasted chance, Arsenal held on to win to set themselves up nicely for a possible Champions League return next season

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has come out to explain why his technical bench was frustrated with Nicolas Pepe during their 2-1 win over Leeds United on Sunday.

Eddie Nketiah had put Arsenal into a comfortable lead with a brace after just 10 minutes. Arsenal’s task became much easier when Luke Ayling was sent off for a rash challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.

Leeds however managed to pull one back through Diego Llorente to set up nervy final minutes at the Emirates Stadium. Pepe was brought on for Bukayo Saka with a view to bring fresh quicker legs to see off the game.

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Illan Meslier was repeatedly summoned forward by his head coach Jesse Marsch in an effort to look for a vital equalizer. The ball fell kindly to Pepe and instead of shooting the ball into an empty net, he attempted a dribble and was dispossessed immediately.

This drew the ire of Arteta's assistant Albert Stuivenberg. Stuivenberg berated the Ivorian winger animatedly on the touchline. Fortunately enough, Arsenal held on to win to make another big step towards returning to the UEFA Champions League.

Football London reports that Arteta was left wondering why Pepe didn't take an early shot.

When you see that he's got an empty net in front of him and he is taking a touch backwards, we cannot really understand.

The 26-year-old is Arsenal's record signing having arrived from Lille with a lot of promise. He has however consistently struggled for game time with most of his appearances coming from the bench.

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Arsenal ready to sell Pepe

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Arsenal were ready to cut their losses and sell Pepe

The winger has so far managed to score only one goal in the Premier League and the Arsenal board is keen on moving him on as they look for funds to replenish in the summer transfer window.

With Champions League football now imminent, the North London side want to bring in new faces to compete with the rigours of Europe next season.