Arsenal ace raises concern after admitting he expected bigger role but Wenger’s response is simple

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Arsenal summer signing Lucas Perez has revealed that he hasn’t had the playing time that he expected after joining from Deportivo La Coruna.

The Spaniard has started just two games in all competitions so far this season, but after an impressive substitute appearance in midweek in the win over Ludogorets in the Champions League, he may be knocking on the door for another start sooner rather than later.

Perez now has two goals and three assists in four appearances for the Gunners, but has conceded that he expected a starring role immediately, something that could be a cause for concern moving forward if he grows unsettled with a lack of first-team football.

“When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role,” he told Onda Cero radio.

Given his record from last season which saw him score 17 goals for a struggling Deportivo side, he can be forgiven for having big expectations of his first season in England.

While his contribution when playing suggests that he will be an important part of Arsene Wenger’s plans this season, the Frenchman ultimately has a perfectly sound reason to respond with.

Ultimately the form of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott amongst others has been too good to drop them, and with Arsenal currently on a seven-game winning streak and now remain unbeaten since the opening weekend of the season, there is no reason why Wenger should change his line-up unless forced to.

Perez accepts that as he went on to acknowledge that it will be tough for him right now to displace one of his teammates, but it is a long season and his opportunities will continue to come.

“The teammates that are playing in my position are doing a great job,” he said.

“We have won seven games in a row and, at the end of the day, the coach wants what is best for the team.

“I had hoped to have more playing time, but what I have to do now is make the most of the opportunities I get.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the 28-year-old starts against Middlesbrough on Saturday, but it appears as though he has the right attitude for now that will please Wenger so long as he continues to train hard and make his mark when given a chance.

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