Arsenal vs Leicester City: 5 key players to avoid another capitulation

3. Nicolas Pepe

I include Nicolas Pepe on these lists a lot and it’s rarely ever justified. But just knowing what he’s capable of makes him so potentially impactful. And I think the two free kick goals against Vitoria established that he can change a match if we can just get fouled in a good position.

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That said, we have to see more out of Pepe going forward. We just have to. He has proven to have so many faculties at his disposal. His ability to drive into the defense with ease and precision makes him invaluable… potentially. It’s always potential with him. And I wonder if Unai Emery was getting a bit spent on that potential when he was wholly benched against Wolverhampton.

It really wouldn’t be that surprising if Pepe didn’t start in favor of a Martinelli or a Saka, but it’s far less likely that Pepe wouldn’t feature at all. He’s had his benching. He’s sat in his time out chair. He’s going to want to come back into the fray.

And again, if nothing else, maybe we can just get fouled just outside of the box and let Pepe fire home from distance. I think we’d all be okay with that too.

Moving on to No. 2.