Arsenal: 3 players that need to step up after Aubameyang’s departure

2. Nicolas Pepe

Much has been written already about Nicolas Pepe’s time at Arsenal. For every supporter that claims he just isn’t good enough, another will vehemently argue that Arteta has failed to get the best out of him.

Regardless of where fans fall on the spectrum of support for Pepe, he is still an Arsenal player and the way he is used for the rest of the season could allow the London club to get back into the Champions League.

Arteta has primarily used him to warm the somewhat chilly bench, with the winger rarely getting a chance in the side, even as a substitute. Even from the sidelines, however, Pepe is one of the few difference makers on the bench. While his performances are maddeningly inconsistent, he produces more often than not.

He is also one of the more experienced members of a now even more truncated squad. He has played at the top level for years and is a seasoned international for the Ivory Coast. He boasts far more top-flight minutes than Omari Hutchinson or Mika Biereth, for example.

As Arsenal look to grind out results in tough matches, Arteta should look to Pepe to help him get back into the top four. While he is not his player, and clearly one he doesn’t fancy, getting a tune out of the Ivorian this season is a big task for Arteta.

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