Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: 4 talking points from Premier League win

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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Fourth official Robert Jones shows the LED substitution board, which features a rainbow as part of the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign, as Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal enters the field during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on November 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

3. Nicolas Pepe No Show

Bukayo Saka being forced to hobble off injured is a sight that no supporter will ever not feel concerned about. He’s so crucial to everything Arsenal do and adds technical security in wide areas that others can’t provide.

Being on the right side of the attack, the natural replacement for him in the team is Nicolas Pepe. Vastly different players with alternative skillsets, but positionally he’s the one you’d expect to come on.

Arteta changed things up and brought on Gabriel Martinelli instead, despite the Brazilian being more suited to the other two positions in the attack. It was a call that said as much about the youngster as it did about Pepe.

It was the same against Watford, albeit for barely three minutes, but on this occasion, the trust shown in Martinelli and apparent lack of trust in Pepe offers a good insight into just how far away the Ivorian is from getting into this team. His performances haven’t warranted inclusion, and while Martinelli had struggled last time out against Leeds it’s clear from Arteta who is doing enough in training to be earning the minutes.

Depending on how Saka’s injury develops, the likelihood now is that Martinelli will be the one who gets the nod against Manchester United should Arteta persist with this system.

The most important thing for Martinelli has been to make the most of his rare opportunities. He’s done just that.

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