Mikel Arteta has warned Nicolas Pepe that his place in Arsenal’s team will remain under threat if he is unable to find consistency with his performances.
The Gunners’ £72 million record signing was left on the bench on Wednesday evening as Arteta’s side were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Pepe has shown flashes of his talent this season with six goals and eight assists in 32 appearances.
And while Arteta is adamant that Pepe will show his best at Arsenal, the Spaniard admits the 25-year-old is currently struggling to meet his demands.
‘It’s clear that his consistency has not been at the level he can produce,’ said Arteta.
‘He’s the first to accept that. That’s what I’m going to demand of a player of his level and calibre.
‘He has to be producing every three days at the level that he can be. He has to be a player that can make the difference, that is a threat, that generates fear in the opponent and gives us a big threat in the final third. His work rate has to be related as well with that kind of performance.
‘He knows that. He’s such a nice kid. He’s trying really hard. You have to accept as well, the timing and the way he has adapted for the first year.
‘A lot has happened for him and we have to understand that. He’s willing and I’m sure we’re going to get the best out of that. I’m convinced of that.
‘It’s taking the flash moments into a consistent mode. That, for a creative wide player to do it, is a big task.
‘Every detail has to be taken into account because it makes a huge difference. His mentality as well, his mindset has to all the time be like that; to win the game for the team.
‘He’s one of the players in the squad that can do it and must take the responsibility.’
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