Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal: 3 underrated players from this season

By Krish Ajmani

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrates victory with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrates victory with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka of Arsenal following the Premier League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 09: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal down a TV camera during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 09, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Frank Augstein – Pool/Getty Images) /

2. Nicolas Pepe

This season has seen a marked improvement from the record signing – the brief moments of quality have been smoothed into a more consistent attacking threat.

Nicolas Pepe’s mindless sending off against Leeds seemed to have helped him reevaluate what he needs to do to help the team. It looked certain to be the final nail in the Ivorian’s coffin, coming off the back of an ‘indifferent’ start to the campaign, but it’s been an upward trajectory since.

Pepe has exhibited finer finishing, more composure and technique in using his right foot, while the defensive commitment Arteta commands has been prevalent. His drive to make a difference has allowed fans to see a much more well-rounded version of the Ivorian winger. His work rate has been superb of late.

Arteta’s tactical tinkering to move him to the left side of the front line has allowed him to whip in some excellent crosses and to be more unpredictable for opposing defenses, where the spaces he assumes can be used to greater effect.

£72m is an exorbitant amount for any player and while Pepe will never live up to that price tag he can still contribute to a team facing a tumultuous time.

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