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Goal Journalist Charles Watts has slammed winger Nicolas Pepe for his short cameo for Arsenal in their recent defeat at Newcastle United.
Arsenal’s hopes of finishing in the top four for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign took a huge dent as they suffered a disappointing and damaging defeat to the Magpies at St James’ Park on Monday.
It now means the Gunners will have to rely on already-relegated Norwich City beating Tottenham Hotspur at Carrow Road on the last day of the campaign to have any hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
During the match, Pepe was brought on off the bench to help rescue things in the final 17 minutes but he failed to have a positive impact on the game.
In fact, minutes after the Ivorian stepped onto the field of play, he almost gave Newcastle an opportunity to score their third after giving the ball away in a dangerous area.
Speaking about the Ivorian on YouTube, Watts said it was an awful cameo and the winger may not be at the Emirates much longer.
He explained: “Nicolas Pepe’s performance, his cameo when he came on last night, was an utter disaster.
“It could well be his final game in an Arsenal shirt at the weekend.”
Our thoughts…
The north London outfit needed a victory at St James’ Park on Monday night, but were totally outthought, outplayed and absolutely dominated by a rejuvenated and inspired Newcastle side. They now trail Tottenham Hotspur who sit in fourth by two points.
This means the Gunners need to beat Everton and see Spurs lose to Norwich City to finish in the top four – so their chances of Champions League football next term are incredibly slim.
It seems unlikely that Mikel Arteta will have much faith left in Pepe in the near future after he was so poor against the Magpies. Indeed, he was given a SofaScore rating of 6.4 after failing to complete any successful shots, crosses, dribbles or aerial duels.
With rumours long-circulating about a possible summer exit, it’s easy to see why Watts believes Pepe may be on his way out of the club at the end of the season.
AND in other news, Arsenal ready to explore deal to sign “exceptional” £76.5m-rated Premier League superstar
