Mikel Arteta defended Nicolas Pepe after Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle (Picture: Getty)Mikel Arteta praised Nicolas Pepe’s ‘overall contribution’ in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Newcastle but challenged the forward to prove his doubters wrong by kicking on over the coming weeks and months. He tried all the game and had some really good moments – moments where he could have scored two or three goals. ‘But he’s a leader, he’s someone that trains really hard, he’s a professional, a great communicator on the pitch and he gives you some security and stability. ‘I think he’s done really well with Rob [Holding], he was really good again today with David [Luiz], three clean sheets in a row and he fully deserves the chance to play. MORE : William Saliba sends class message to Emile Smith Rowe after Arsenal’s win over NewcastleMORE : ‘Very clever signing’ – Kevin Campbell urges Arsenal to complete Emiliano Buendia transfer

Source: Metro January 11, 2021 00:04 UTC