‘He’s not bothered at all’: PL legend hits out at Arsenal man

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Premier League icon Alan Shearer spoke on BBC’s Match of the Day after Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Everton on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s problems in attack continued. Arsenal have scored just twice from open play in the Premier League since the game against Sheffield United in October, and that is proving to be a real probem.

Nicolas Pepe converted a penalty against the Toffees, but he didn’t do a lot more than that. The Ivorian had a quiet game and Alan Shearer has lashed out at his performance – before and after his goal from the spot.

He said, as per The Mirror: “There are no options at all when the ball goes wide. Have a look at Pepe, not prepared to get in at all, he’s jogging sometimes, walking around. He’s got to do more, he’s got to try and get on the end of it.”

“Look at Pepe on the right-hand side, quite content to sit out there. He’s not bothered at all to try and break his neck to get in and get on the end of it and score goals. It’s not just him, there are few players in that team not giving everything for the manager.”

Pepe played 71 minutes at Goodison Park on Sunday and had just two shots at goal. He attempted just one dribble but failed to complete that, and he also gave away possession nine times. (Sofascore) That doesn’t look great on paper, but Shearer claiming that he isn’t bothered is a bit over the top.

Shearer’s criticism is extremely harsh

We are in a world where every mistake is heavily criticised and that’s all it takes for pundits to have a go. Yes, Pepe didn’t have a great game, but Shearer’s assessment makes it look like he was the worst player on the pitch.

Everton’s defenders were very smart when Pepe got on the ball. As he soon as the Arsenal man received possession, there were two players on him, and his teammates’ lack of movement around him forced him to pass the ball backwards.

Arsenal attack is far too left-centric as well. Mikel Arteta prefers most of his attacks to come from the other side of the pitch, which leaves Pepe isolated on the right on most occasions. That isn’t helping him and neither is the over-the-top criticism that comes his way after every game.