Nicolas Pepe scores brilliant goal but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants more from £72m signing – ‘He can do better’

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal’s record signing Nicolas Pepe to give him more, despite scoring a fine goal in Thursday’s Europa League win over Dundalk.

A much-changed Gunners side – with ten changes to the team – came up against a bold resistance from the Irish side but eventually secured a comfortable 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Pepe’s superb finish for their third.

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The wholesale alterations came on the back of two consecutive Premier League defeats, as the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Partey remained on the bench against the Irish champions.

Arteta has told his fringe players they have worked their way into contention for Sunday's clash with Manchester United after a strong showing in Europe.

But, despite his brilliant finish from outside the box, £72million man Pepe endured what was largely a frustrating evening as he continues to struggle to make a lasting impact.

Arteta has backed the Ivory Coast winger to come good and once again said his huge price-tag was not having an adverse effect, but admitted he needs to see more from the Frenchman.

“Knowing Nico and speaking to him, I don't think it is something that worries him too much," he replied when asked about the record fee weighing heavy on Pepe.

“It is about him hitting his best every single week. I think this is where he believes he can do better and we have to try to help him.

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“It is nothing to do with his attitude. He is a player who takes risks.

“He is a very creative player and that is the most difficult thing in football, when they all know what you can do as well, how much they want to prevent space, the overloads that they generate to defend you as well.”

Despite a strong performance from his squad players, it’s expected Arteta will bring back his key men for Sunday's game at Old Trafford.

But the boss insists those on the fingers of the first-team have done their chances of being involved against United no harm at all.

“I'm really pleased with the way we went about the game,” added the manager.

“Our attitude from the beginning was spot on, we attacked and created a lot of situations inside the box.

“We gave a chance to a lot of players who haven't played many minutes this season and it is something really positive because they showed they are well-prepared, they are at it, and they are ready when we need them.

“They are always in the frame to play. It is not if we lose or win, it is what they bring to the team. How they train, what they are showing. Results at the end are consequences of many things, but individually how they do things is what determines whether they have the opportunity to play or not.”