Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has claimed that Nicolas Pepe, who is struggling for form at the Emirates Stadium, is "hurting and suffering".
The 25-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving from Lille last summer but is yet to start finding the back of the net on a consistent basis for the Gunners.
Pepe has banked three goals and three assists in the 2020-21 Europa League so far, but the winger has only struck twice in the Premier League this term, and Arteta has since defended Pepe amid his troubles in North London.
Speaking to reporters after Arsenal's EFL Cup defeat to Manchester City, Arteta said: "I would always defend my players. Whatever I have to discuss with him, it will be internally. Pepe wants to do his best and help as much as he possibly can.
"This is what I am interested in. It is my job and if he doesn't, it is my fault. He is trying his best. We all know Nico and sometimes his body language makes him feel bad.
"He is hurting, he is suffering – believe me, I am close to him – and he is trying his best. He feels the responsibility because be knows why the club brought him here and he wants to deliver that."
The under-fire Arteta next faces Chelsea's visit to the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day, with 15th-placed Arsenal only four points clear of the relegation zone.
Ben Knapton
