Nicolas Pepe told to "play better then" if he wants to reclaim Arsenal place
Arsenal's record signing Nicolas Pepe has been told to "play better then" by ex-player Lee Dixon after voicing his disappointment at his lack of minutes so far this season.
Pepe has managed just one start in the Premier League this season, and has seen new-boy Willian take his place on the right wing.
Dixon's tweet came after Pepe admitted "I would like to play a little more to find a smile again".
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Signed for £72m from Lille in the summer of 2019, Pepe struggled to replicate the form that he displayed in France last campaign, contributing five goals and six assists in his maiden Premier League season, paling in comparison to the 33 goal contributions he managed in his final year at Lille.
It was that incredible season that prompted Arsenal to splash the cash on the Ivorian, and his drop-off has been a huge disappointment to Gunners fans.
Dixon's comment is, however, slightly unjustified when you consider that Pepe has more goal contributions in all competitions (five) than his replacement Willian (two) in less minutes so far this season.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has come under recent criticism from fans, for failing to integrate Pepe into the side, and if Pepe's wish for more game time is granted by Arteta, the Gunners may rise from their measly 11th place in the Premier League.