Arsenal: The 5 players who must step up to make top five

2. Nicolas Pepe

If there is one key area where Arteta’s Arsenal have struggled it is the speed and inspiration of the attacking play. They have moved the ball superbly in deeper areas. They control matches for long periods. Their defensive worked has improved markedly, too. But when it comes to cutting defences open in the final third, that high-level ingenuity and skill have been missing.

If there is one player who is capable of providing it, alongside Ozil, it is Nicolas Pepe. After all, Arsenal did not invest £72 million and make him their club-record signing for nothing. He is quick, strong, skilful, very dangerous on his left foot, and grew in confidence as the games passed. But it is time for him to take his game to the next level.

Pepe has four goals and six assists in the Premier League this season. Half of those come in the seven starts that he has made under Arteta. Pepe has three assists and a goal in his last three league outings. Overall, he has disappointed this season, but it is not a coincidence that Arsenal’s best offensive performances under Arteta — versus Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton — have come when Pepe has either scored or assisted. And now, Arsenal need him to be special.