Arsenal Vs Brighton: Release Nicolas Pepe

Arsenal host Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday night with the chance to play offensive football. It is time to unleash £72 million man, Nicolas Pepe.

When any team signs a player for a club-record fee, there is an immediate expectation that that player becomes one of the premier members of the squad, a crucial piece upon which the rest of the team is built.

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When that club-record fee is £72 million, the fifth-highest fee paid by a Premier League club, those expectations only rise further. There is a natural anticipation for the individual to light up the league. At that price, why wouldn’t there be?

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Given these natural and justified expectations, it would be an understatement to say that Nicolas Pepe has disappointed since joining Arsenal in the summer. He is yet to score an open-play goal, has only two assists in the Premier League, one of which was a simple ten-yard pass and the other was a corner, and has largely underwhelmed in build-up play also.

Despite these disappointing statistics and performances, it would also be fair to state that Pepe has not been aided by those around him. Unai Emery’s system leaned heavily on his individual ability to spring attacks without putting him in advantageous positions, while an uncreative central midfield and Hector Bellerin absence at right-back only served to cramp space and provide little foundation for Pepe to attack from.

Pepe’s struggles this season stem from a combination of poor performance, a lack of confidence, and the poor positions that he has been put in. And yet, such is his skill and potential, there is plenty of reason to hope for his future.

And starting on Thursday night against Brighton and Hove Albion, a home match that sees Arsenal enjoy the perfect opportunity to play in an offensive, front-footed manner that could unleash Pepe’s most prolific style, the Ivory Coast international has the chance to let looose. But for that, he needs the trust of his manager, interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ljungberg spoke extensively about his plans for Pepe’s future:

"“Nicolas is a very, very good player. Sometimes we come from a different league and it takes time to adapt, off the pitch and on the pitch. Nicolas is someone I plan on talking to, we’re going to have a little chat about how he feels about things. He’s an important player. I just think it’s a new country, a new way of playing and I’m going to have a little chat with him about what I expect and how I want to play.”"

It remains to be seen whether Pepe can do enough to force his way into the team in a matter of two training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, but if Ljungberg was looking for a lay-up match that could serve as the ideal springboard for the winger, he will not find a nice game than a home tie against Brighton.

Pepe needs a game to instill confidence, score a goal and play some offensive-minded football. Ljungberg needs to incorporate a £72 million player who deserves a chance to prove he can replicate his Ligue 1 numbers in England. This imperfect marriage could get off to a rather lavish start on Thursday night, if the shackles are released.