3 Arsenal players that need to show improvement after the winter break

#2 Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe was the talisman at Lille but he needs to replicate that with Arsenal

Nicolas Pepe is Arsenal's most expensive player, but a section of fans are starting to get frustrated with him because he isn't quite living up to the expectations. Although he did score that important goal in the win against Manchester United under Arteta, he hasn't made a goal contribution since.

That is most fans' problem with Pepe. He is exciting to watch and he works wonders with the ball at his feet, but he hasn't contributed much in the goals department.

When Arsenal take on Newcastle next weekend, it would be the perfect opportunity for Pepe to bag a goal or assist and get on the right track for a fruitful second half of the season.

Arteta is showing plenty of trust in Pepe and rightly so, because the Ivorian regularly shows moments of brilliance on the pitch. However, he needs to start claiming more goals and assists, because that is what Arsenal paid the big bucks for.