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Nicolas Pepe's agent hits back after Mikel Arteta slams Arsenal star for Leeds red card
Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe was shown a straight red card following his clash with Ezgjan Alioski in the 0-0 draw at Leeds.
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Nicolas Pepe's agent has launched a passionate defence of his client, who has received strong criticism for his actions that resulted in a red card during Arsenal's 0-0 draw at Elland Road. The Ivory Coast international appeared to move his head towards Ezgjan Alioski during their off-the-ball altercation, leaving referee Anthony Taylor with no other choice but to reach for a red card after a VAR review.
The moment of madness has severely damaged Pepe's chances of earning a regular place in Arsenal's starting XI, as he struggles to justify the £72million price-tag paid to Lille last summer.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was evidently frustrated by his player's actions at the time and later labelled Pepe's behaviour as "unacceptable".
Now his agent Samir Khiat has claimed that the club-record fee has proved to be a burden for Pepe, who in his view, remains one of Arsenal's best-attacking players.
Khiat told L'Equipe: "Nicolas did well at Lille. We are always expecting more from Nicolas Pepe which is normal because he has been transferred to Arsenal for a consequent transfer fee.
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"When you look at the chances created by Arsenal for the past two seasons, Pepe has been the attacking player who created most of the chances with Aubameyang.
"He is still adapting and he is requested to perform better, which is normal, he has been transferred for an important fee and he knows it.
"Nicolas is not cheating, he is not a cheater. He maybe needs more time to adapt, but it will eventually work well."
Arsenal have since released a statement in support of Pepe and Leeds star Alioski, after the pair were subjected to online abuse following their heated clash.
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The Gunners tweeted: "We utterly condemn the vile abuse directed at Nicolas Pepe and Ezgjan Alioski on social media following our match against Leeds United.
"This is completely unacceptable and we will be working with the police and authorities to do everything we can to trace and prosecute the culprits."
Former Arsenal interim boss Freddie Ljungberg was responsible for helping Pepe restore some confidence after the sacking of Unai Emery, before the appointment of Arteta.
The Swede was in the Sky Sports studio for yesterday's stalemate in Yorkshire and believes Pepe can have no complaints about his dismissal.
"With what the rules are today, he can't have any complaints. You can say the player is not in a lot of pain, but the rules are the rules and you can't do that in today's game," Ljungberg told Sky Sports' Dave Jones.
"Nico hasn't played that much and it was a good opportunity for him today. He stops his own progress with his behaviour.
"He looked frustrated and I thought this game would be good for Pepe. Leeds play man-to-man and I thought he would get isolated against left-back and beat them. He can do that and I thought he could be the match-winner today."
Pepe is now set to face a three-match ban for violent conduct, meaning he will miss the north London derby against Tottenham as well as games against Wolves and Burnley.