In Focus: Why Nicolas could Pep up the high-flying Gunners

Nicolas Pepe’s near-perfect performance against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup might just have got Mikel Arteta thinking.

The winger’s time at Arsenal has been defined by inconsistency.

But he reminded everyone what he can do as the Gunners thrashed the Black Cats 5-1 last week to reach the semi-finals.

While he may have been in contention to feature before today's game with Wolves was postponed due to coronavirus, Pepe could next face Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Ahead of his departure for international duty with the Ivory Coast, we make the case for the 26-year-old ace to play a bigger part in Arteta's plans. 

Price tag pressure

Arsenal paid Lille £72million for Pepe in the summer of 2019 — and no club wants their record signing to flop.

The need to make things work could be a reason to persevere with Pepe, who has only made 12 appearances in all competitions this season.

After all, the Ivory Coast international is under contract until 2024 and Arsenal would struggle to recoup even half of what they paid.

Sending out a message

Pepe scored Arsenal’s second goal against Sunderland and later laid on assists for Eddie Nketiah and debutant Charlie Patino.

Heavily involved throughout, it was a timely reminder of his talents. Had it not been for Nketiah bagging a hat-trick, he would have stolen the show.

There is the obvious caveat that the Gunners were taking on third-tier opposition but Pepe’s determination to prove his worth was hard to doubt.

The right kind of unhappiness

Speaking to the press afterwards, Arteta revealed how pleased he was with Pepe’s attitude despite his limited involvement.

The Spaniard said: "A player that doesn’t play, if he’s happy [it is] a big problem.

"[But] Nico has not been happy and asking for more minutes. This is the attitude we want from our players."

Will Arteta give him the minutes he wants? 

Time will tell, but it certainly does not sound as though Pepe has been frozen out by his boss.

Encouraging numbers

Since the start of 2019-20, Pepe has averaged a Premier League goal every 274.4 minutes.

Over the same period, of Arsenal players to play 2,250 minutes (the equivalent of 25 games) or more, only Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have scored more frequently.

That is the kind of company Pepe has been able to keep despite his inconsistency. 

Last season, he found the net 16 times in all competitions — including five in his final three appearances.

On that evidence, he has the potential to be prolific, though Gunners fans will only believe it when they see it.

No Premier League winger has attempted more take-ons per 90 minutes than Pepe (5.57), while he ranks ninth for chances created (1.98). That is despite playing in only 30% of available minutes so far this season.

Back-up for Bukayo

In terms of out-and-out wingers, Bukayo Saka is the only other left-footed option at Arteta’s disposal.

And with Saka having started 18 of Arsenal’s 23 matches in all competitions this term — as well as coming off the bench in three more — he will need a rest eventually.

'Tis the season for rotation, so there may be time for Pepe to build on last week’s eye-catching display before he heads to Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.