Four wins on the bounce has changed the mood around Arsenal. The Gunners now look really good, but two players continue to receive a ton of criticism from fans, pundits and the media.
Willian is proving to be one of the worst signings of the summer. The Brazilian was brought in to have an instant impact but he has barely done anything since after the opening game of the season.
Nicolas Pepe is another one who is in the firing line. The Ivorian, signed by Unai Emery in 2019, has fared a lot better than Willian, but all of his brilliance have come sporadically. Lack of consistency is his biggest issue and that has pushed him down the pecking order.
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Mikel Arteta has said from day one that players who perform well in training will get a chance in games. The youngsters certainly have done that in recent weeks and they have been given the opportunity shine in the Premier League.
Pepe outshines disinterested Willian in training
Arsenal released footage from their training session on YouTube yesterday ahead of Thursday’s game against Crystal Palace. Pepe certainly caught the eye, but sadly, it was at Willian’s expense who looks like he doesn’t care any more.
The former Lille man picked the ball up, performed his usual tricks and breezed past Willian and Joe Willock before slotting the ball in the back of the net.
We all know Pepe is capable of doing that but the fact that Willian didn’t even try to stop him irked a ton of supporters.
The Brazilian has been criticised by many for his lack of interest in games. Arteta, predictably, has backed his man to come good, but Willian’s display in the above clip shows that he should be nowhere near the starting XI.
Here’s how a few Arsenal fans reacted to what Pepe did to Willian
