MX23RW : Friday, March 12 02:54:48| >> :120:8726:8726:

Nicolas Pepe will be handed another opportunity against Molde

Nicolas Pepe will be handed another opportunity against Molde
© Reuters
The Ivory Coast forward is facing up to a three-match domestic ban following a red card against Leeds

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will hand Nicolas Pepe the chance for a swift redemption in the Europa League tie at Molde on Thursday.

Ivory Coast forward Pepe is facing up to a three-match domestic ban following a red card against Leeds, appearing to headbutt Ezgjan Alioski.

The Gunners boss branded Pepe's behaviour "unacceptable" following Sunday's goalless draw at Elland Road.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left less than impressed by Pepe's dismissal at Elland Road
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left less than impressed by Pepe's dismissal at Elland Road (Michael Regan/PA)

Arteta, though, rejected suggestions the 25-year-old – a £72million signing from Lille during August 2019 – would be frozen out of his plans.

"We have all had disappointing reactions in our playing careers," the Arsenal manager said ahead of the Europa League tie in Norway, where his team could secure qualification for the knockout stage.

"Obviously we were frustrated because when you play against a team like Leeds for a long time with 10 men, it makes a huge difference,"

"He had a really good reaction, the way he apologised, the way he understood his responsibility and hopefully tomorrow we can see the player that we want to see, and have a good reaction to help his team."

Arteta added: "No, it is absolutely not (the end of his Arsenal career after the red card). It's not about that and I don't like that type of statement.

"I will give Nico my full support all the time. He knows where he has to improve and we all know his qualities.

"He has some responsibility, I have a lot of responsibility, which is to get the best out of him and get the best position for him, the best areas where he can do what he can do with the ball.

"I cannot fault his effort at all. You see the way he strives for the team, the way he's working, it's been the best since he's been at the club.

"But there have been some aspects he can do better in because he has the ability. That's where I'm going to put the pressure on him to deliver what he can do. To say it's a threat for him to finish his (Arsenal) career, it is not at all like that.

"He has reacted the right way after that (sending off) and hopefully I can see a player that shows that every week.

"It is in his hands. He is a player I really like, that I know what he can give, and it is completely up to him."

Arsenal defender David Luiz has travelled to Norway after missing the Leeds game following the birth of his daughter.

However, Bukayo Saka and Willian both picked up injuries at Elland Road, so will be assessed ahead of Sunday's Premier League home game against Wolves.

Arsenal will secure qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League with what would be a fourth successive Group B win.

Arteta, though, warned against complacency.

"They made it difficult for us in the first leg and tomorrow on an artificial pitch, it becomes different," he said.

"Molde are very dominant in the (Norwegian) league obviously and are so used to winning football matches. I expect them to have a real go.

"They were aggressive when they played against us in certain phases of our play, were organised, good on the the counter-attack and set-pieces as well.

"We want to be there, win the game and we know that will give us the qualification."

ID:423747:cQx:QQ:

Click here for more stories about Nicolas Pepe

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Sergio Ramos celebrates scoring for Real Madrid on November 3, 2020
Read Next:
Ramos 'yet to receive contract offer from Real Madrid'
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Premier League
Championship
La Liga
Serie A
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
Primeira Liga
League Two
Scottish Championship
Turkish Super Lig
Belgian Pro League
Russian Premier League
Ukrainian Premier League
Danish Superliga
NIFL Premiership
Belarusian Premier League
Segunda Division
Serie B
2.Bundesliga
Eerste Divisie
Copa Libertadores
Copa Diego Maradona
Uruguayan Primera Division
Australian A-League
Premier League 2 - Div 1
Premier League 2 - Div 2
Gallagher Premiership
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City29215361214068
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd28159455322354
3Leicester CityLeicester28165748321653
4Chelsea28148644251950
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham27146742311148
6Everton2714493935446
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs27136846281845
8Liverpool28127947361143
9Aston Villa261241038271140
10Arsenal27115113528738
11Leeds UnitedLeeds27112144346-335
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2898112837-935
13Crystal Palace2897123047-1734
14Southampton2896133549-1433
15Burnley2879122036-1630
16Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2776142744-1727
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton27511112735-826
18Fulham28511122233-1126
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2839162056-3618
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2842221645-2914

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!