Mikel Arteta comments on Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe after Molde win

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Mikel Arteta has told his post-match Molde press conference – as per Football London – that Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe must improve his final product despite scoring one and creating another in a 4-1 win over Molde.

The Gunners came into the match having won their previous two Europa League outings against Dundalk and Rapid Vienna, and made it three out of three with a comfortable victory at The Emirates.

Molde took the lead, though. Martin Ellingsen curled home an excellent effort after a poor clearance. But from that point in, Arsenal were lethal – but were helped by a couple of own goals. Kristoffer Haugen the first.

Just after the hour mark, Arsenal took the lead as Sheriff Shiyan put the ball into his own net. Pepe scored on 69 minutes, with a sublime finish from a Bukayo Saka cross. On 89, he created one for Joe Willock.

But Arteta wants a better end product. Asked about Pepe, he said: “Consistency throughout the game. Throughout 90 minutes, in every game, the final product has to be better not just from him. We have to put higher demands at the moment. He scored a great goal and another assist so he’s on the right path.”

TBR’s view – Arteta right to expect more from Pepe

The competitions is increasing. Willian is now fit, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being used on the left and the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Emith-Rowe are breaking into the side. Pepe needs to finally spark into life.

During the last 20 minutes on Thursday, he did that. If he is given the chance in the Premier League, he really needs to show what he is all about – or the £100,000-a-week star (Spotrac) will firmly establish himself as a fringe player.