Arteta admits Arsenal coaching staff are perplexed at forward’s decision in Leeds victory

Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal assistant coach Albert Stuinvenberg was so annoyed at forward Nicolas Pepe after their 2-1 victory over Leeds United on Sunday.

Two early goals from Eddie Nketiah was enough as the Gunners secured the three points against ten-man Leeds despite Diego Llorente getting a goal back for the relegation-threatened Yorkshire club in the second half.

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Leeds brought up Illan Meslier for a set piece towards the end of the game as they chased an equaliser, giving Nicolas Pepe a chance to counter on the break.

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Pepe had a chance to shoot into an empty net from around the halfway line but decided to turn back inside on to his stronger foot before being tackled by a Leeds player.

The decision not to take the chance on baffled Arteta and his assistant Stuinvenberg, who gave Pepe a dressing down on the pitch after the game.

Reacting to Pepe’s decision, Arteta said: “When you see that he’s got an empty net in front of him and he’s taking a touch backwards, we cannot really understand.

“But you have to have the perception of the player in that moment, they are the ones that make the decision. And fortunately we didn’t need that goal.”

Pepe getting a dressing down from Albert Stuinvenberg at the final whistle.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) May 8, 2022

Arsenal defender Ben White didn’t start against Leeds at the weekend as he