Arsenal fans have every right to be concerned that their record arrival from Lille, Nicolas Pepe, has not featured in a Premier League match since the draw against Crystal Palace in October. But what may appear concerning, but shouldn’t trouble supporters, was interim manager Freddie Ljungberg’s comments on why he didn’t bring Pepe on when Arsenal needed a goal against Norwich.
The Swede said: “Pepe is a very good player”, “But I looked at what he did in training and what I see every day, and that is how I judge it.” While it would be easy to see that as a criticism of the way the winger trains, there is a message in what the manager has said – improve your performances during the week, and you will get another chance at the weekend.
Pepe is faced with a solvable problem, and it is not that he lacks the talent required to thrive, just that he is not currently utilising it to the best of his abilities. It is important to note that Ljungberg began by reminding everyone why Arsenal signed Pepe in the first place, he is an excellent player who propelled Lille to the dizzy heights of second in Ligue 1 last term. The 24-year old was responsible for scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists, though he is yet to find his feet at the Emirates, he has shown enough promise to suggest Arsenal should not give up on him yet.
Firstly, Pepe has performed exceptionally in the Europa League although he only has one start. He has been introduced as a substitute three times and 161 minutes of football have culminated in two goals and two assists. The Ivorian’s main priority should be transferring his exploits in Europe across to the Premier League as so far, he has just a single goal in 12 appearances. Part of the issue though is that he has been deployed in numerous different positions, including as a central striker, winger and attacking midfielder. Such a lack of consistency will not be helping him bed into a new club and acclimatise to the level required.
Providing whoever comes in as Arsenal’s next permanent manager can identify where they would like to play Pepe and use his form in Europe as a springboard to match his output in the Premier League, the summer signing will come good. But for now the best move for the winger would be to impress his current boss in training an get back into the starting lineup in the league, a manager who can utilise his blistering pace on the counter-attack will trouble a number of opposing sides and the Gunners just have to be patient.
