Arsenal legend Ian Wright insists that forward Nicolas Pepe ‘isn’t getting better’ after the Ivorian’s costly dismissal in the Gunners’ goalless stalemate with Leeds United, according to Goal.
The winger was involved in an altercation with Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski, who went to ground after an alleged head-butt, initiated by the Arsenal man.
Pepe was dismissed in the 52nd minute, following review by VAR, forcing the north London outfit to play the remaining 40 minutes with ten men.
‘He’s not getting better’
Television pundit Wright was disappointed with the side’s overall display. However, he was immensely critical of Pepe’s behaviour that led to his sending off.
The former Arsenal forward implied that Pepe disrespected the club by his antics. Wright suggested that the 25-year-old hadn’t repaid the faith that was given to him by the club.
He also believed that the Ivorian hasn’t improved despite Arteta’s continued trust in the player.
“He’s someone that we have a lot of faith in and he seems to me that he’s not getting better, he’s actually getting more in himself and more frustrated, where you want to see him improving. He needs better advice around him.”
‘We’ve spent a lot of money on him’
He blew his chance, according to Wright, who had suggested Pepe was eager to get more game time.
The Englishman also admitted that is was difficult to find any glimpses of the Ivorian’s reported £72 million value.
“From somebody that has been complaining about not getting enough game time, somebody that has now got his chance and he’s let everybody down.
“He has let everybody down and I’m very disappointed in him simply because I don’t know who his team is around him but he’s come to the club, we’ve spent a lot of money on him.”
Gunners misfiring
Mikel Arteta’s men were already-second best in many aspects. The Peacocks had the lion’s share of possession and created the better chances.
The home side managed 25 shots to the Gunners’ nine, but just four were on-target, compared to Arsenal’s two.
Leeds also hit the woodwork three times in the second half, as Arteta’s side survived a very-much one-sided affair.
The result meant that Arsenal’s winless run extended to two games. They sit 11th in the table on 13 points. It also ensured they had won just one of their last five league games.
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