Mikel Arteta has urged Nicolas Pepe to improve his consistency after the Gunners cruised to a 3-0 win against Molde which also seals qualification to the Round of 32 in the Europa League.
The Ivorian forward was subject to criticism by manager Mikel Arteta stating he let his teammates down in the Gunners’ game against Leeds United at the Elland Road.
However, the 25-year-old bounced back strongly, producing a masterclass performance to help the Gunners book a slot in the Round of 32 in the Europa League with two games to spare.
Arsenal’s most expensive signing from Lille curled a powerful strike into the top corner just after the break in Norway, minutes after hitting the bar.
“I could see from the first minute, from his body language, that he was ready to act,” Arteta said. “I think he had a great performance.”
Pepe has struggled for consistency since joining in 2019 but has three goals in four Europa League games this season and Arteta wants more of the same from the forward.
“He created some great moments in the game and worked really hard for the team,” the Gunners boss added. “I really liked it. I am really pleased with that.
“We all know where his level is and all the time the question is how often he can get to that level – and how he contributes to other aspects of the game.
“Today is an example. That should be the level he needs to hit and from there he needs to keep improving.”
The victory over Molde in Norway maintained Arsenal’s perfect record in Group B and saw them progress to the knockout stage with two games to spare.
Reiss Nelson doubled the Gunners’ lead shortly after with a tap-in from close range before 19-year-old substitute Folarin Balogun scored with his first touch of the game after coming on to make his second appearance for the Gunners.
