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Former Crystal Palace president Simon Jordan believes that Nicolas Pepe is “cheating” on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and could get him fired.
A terrible season for the Gunners got worse on Tuesday when they were eliminated from the EFL Cup. A listless quarter-final display saw Manchester City run out of winners 4-1 at the Emirates.
It was another poor effort in all respects from a seemingly devoid of confidence. They have struggled in the Premier League as well and rank 15th in the standings with just 14 points to date.
The North Londoners have won just once in 10 league games and are just four points above the relegation zone.
It seems unthinkable that a club the size of Arsenal could fall. But West Brom’s new boss, Sam Allardyce think what could happen.
When asked if he saw Arsenal as a rival in the Premier League battle for survival, Allardyce said: “If they are in the bottom eight right now, yes. Absolutely.”
If things don’t improve, Arteta is likely to be removed from office. And, if that happens, Jordan has put the blame squarely at the feet of his squad.
“I know I made the observation that, ultimately, managers are fired. But this group of players will make him fired, “he said in talkSPORT.
“I’m looking at their performances, I’m looking at what they are putting on the field and I think they are cheating, some of these players.
“They are cheating the club and they are cheating their coach.”
Point the finger at Pepe
Although a player is not part of a team, many observers have rounded Pepe’s perceived lack of effort Match of the Day expert Alan Shearer recently gave both barrels for not racing in the box.
The Frenchman entered the second half on Tuesday as a substitute for the injured Gabriel Martinelli. He had little impact and Jordan did not strike a blow in his assessment of Arsenal’s record signing.
“They are cheating, look at Pepe,” added the businessman. “We all have our difficulties and challenges in life and football brings its different challenges, but if that’s a £ 72 million footballer then with all due respect I’m a monkey’s uncle because that’s not worth it.
“The way he walked around in the second half and showed no interest in the game.”
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