Mikel Arteta explained why assistant coach Albert Steuvenburg was disappointed with Nicolas Pepe after Arsenal’s clash in the Premier League against Leeds United.
The Gunners secured a decisive 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon thanks to a hole in the first half by Hale End Academy graduate Eddie Nketia. However, it was a tense final in north London, as Leeds goalkeeper Ilan Meslier decided to come out for a few sets, as the guest seemed to save an unlikely point after the red card of Luke Eyling.
Arsenal’s record-breaking signing for Pepe came for Bucaio Saka in the second half and the Ivory Coast international got the ball in the middle of the line, a huge chance to strike a long shot at Leeds’ empty goal – or even just chase the line and waste time. However, he decided to reduce his preferred left foot and was deprived of property in the process, disappointing assistant coach Stuivenburg in the process.
Read more: Arsenal’s last three Premier League games against Chelsea and Tottenham in the top four
The Dutchman gave an animation to Pepe on the field after the full-time whistle and Arteta admitted that he was confused by the decision of the talented winger. “When you see that he has an empty door in front of him and touches backwards, we can’t understand,” said the Spaniard.
“But you have to have the perception of the player at the moment, they are the ones who make the decision. And fortunately, we didn’t need that goal.”
The result leaves the Gunners four points away from fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, with whom they will play on Thursday in one of the most anticipated derbies in north London in recent years.
Read more related articles Read more related articles
Add Comment