"What Arteta has done to his career is criminal" - Arsenal fans feel 26-year-old 'deserves better' after being snubbed from line-up for Southampton clash
Arsenal fans have questioned manager Mikel Arteta for overlooking club record signing Nicolas Pepe yet again for the starting XI of the Gunners' next Premier League game. The Ivorian continues to be a bit-part player under the Spaniard.
Arsenal are all set to face Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday on Matchday 33. The Gunners are looking to regain some momentum after losing their last two games in the English top-flight. These defeats came at Selhurst Park to Crystal Palace and at the Emirates to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Alexandre Lacazette is missing the game due to 'private reasons' as per Arsenal's official website and hence academy graduate Eddie Nketiah has been given a start. However, it feels like the Arsenal faithful were interested in seeing Pepe return to the line-up. The Ivory Coast international's inclusion could have seen Gabriel Martinelli operate as a centre-forward.
Nuno Tavares, who started the game at Crystal Palace but was subbed at half-time, has also returned to the starting line-up. He was replaced at half-time against Palace and was left out for the game against Brighton. Albert Sambi Lokonga continued his place in the middle of the park due to Thomas Partey's absence due to injury.
However, there are some Gunners fans who have qualms with this decision of the Spaniard as well. They wanted to see Mohamed Elneny start rather than the former Anderlecht player who is still rather inexperienced, although has given spirited performances.
Here's what fans have had to say:
@Arsenal get rid of Pepe in the summer, what arteta has done to his career is criminal
@Afcsammmm @Arsenal Criminal is better, evil is the right word
@Arsenal What does Pepe need to do to get game time?
@Afcsammmm @Arsenal Pepe deserves better....
@Arsenal What does Pepe gotta do to get some minutes? Either way, let鈥檚 get back to winning ways #COYG
@Arsenal What do Pepe and ESR gotta do to get a start? Jesus Christ.
@Arsenal Tough decisions but i think Pepe and 脡lney should has be given chances to prove right馃様馃様馃様馃様馃鉁嶏笍
@Arsenal How does Pepe still don鈥檛 start and Elneny instead of Lokonga should鈥檝e been clear after last performances..
@Arsenal What arteta is doing to Pepe is very wrong 馃挃
Tottenham Hotspur give Arsenal the opportunity to get back into the top-four race
Antonio Conte's side were in action against Brighton on home soil before the Gunners kick-off their game against Southampton. Spurs were in fourth position with a three-point lead over their local rivals. However, the top-four race has now blown wide open as Tottenham have lost 0-1 to Brighton.
A 90th minute goal by Leandro Trossard, who also scored against Arsenal in the last game, gave the Seagulls all three points. Tottenham were unable to record a single shot on target throughout the game.
The Gunners will feel really spirited and motivated after this result. A win at St. Mary's Stadium could bring them level on points with Conte's side. Spurs do have a superior goal difference but the Gunners will have a game in hand after their game against Southampton.