Arsenal: 3 facts that make Nicolas Pepe a resounding success

1. When all else fails

This ties back into No. 3. Pepe does what no one else on this team can do, yes. He innovates and creates from nothing, yes. He scores goals, as goals as good as our best and assists among the best as well.

But one thing that we saw against Brighton is the most important fact in defense of Pepe’s value. Against Brighton, Arsenal’s attack wasn’t failing. They were combining beautifully. Aubameyang and Lacazette were batting the ball between each other, Saka delivered tremendous balls into the box. It’s not like anything wasn’t working. We just needed that finishing touch.

Pepe answered. When all else failed, it was Nicolas Pepe who stepped up and did what no one else could do.

This isn’t the first time this has happened either. Pepe fills in where he needs filling. If it’s creation, he creates. If it’s introducing some instability to the defense, he does so. And if it’s peeling back and scoring that crucial goal that’s eluded the team all match, then so be it, he’ll do that too.

When all else fails, when something isn’t working, Pepe is there to fill the gap.