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Nicolas Pepe: The Nutmeg Express!

What would you do with Pepe?

  • Keep him for the foreseeable future

  • Give him one more season to prove himself

  • Sell if you can get a significant fee, keep otherwise

  • Sell at any price


Results are only viewable after voting.
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Not open for further replies.

BigPoppaPump

Reeling from Laca & Kos nightmares
Hopefully we capitalise on Laca's good form and get a good fee in the summer. It'd be great if Arteta transformed Pepe into a decent CF - it seems like the kind of thing Wenger did all the time whenever our CF was poached.

I'm getting the unfortunate feeling Pepe will be squeezed out with Ødegaard's signing. Saka has RW locked down right now. When Auba is available, he will almost certainly play LW. ESR & Ødegaard will rotate the 10.

Going forward beyond next season I'd love to see Pepe up front. It's the dream but I doubt it'll happen with bad vibes mik, aka The PE Teacher, aka Interview Interrupter. aka Tapas Pulis

@BigPoppaPump @Trilly did I miss any mikel slurs?

You got it wrong with PE teacher that's Ole. Arteta was the guy who put out the cones/handed out bibs for Pep.
 

Macho

In search of Pure Profit 💸
Dusted 🔻

Country: England
My friends from the Athletic with some Pepe propaganda for once! :bounce:

Nicolas Pepe has been on a constant search for consistency since signing for Arsenal 18 months ago.

Used primarily as a right winger by Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and now Mikel Arteta, he has provided flashes of brilliance but failed to maintain those standards.

Making strides late last season under Arteta after the first lockdown, his improvement was somewhat undermined by the summer arrival of Willian on a free transfer. The 32-year-old took his place in the starting XI when the new campaign began in September, leaving just the cup competitions and Premier League cameos for the Ivorian to make an impression in.

Subsequently, Bukayo Saka’s emergence as Arsenal’s most efficient right winger has threatened to put Pepe in a similar situation. Saka’s more rounded game, in which he can take his man on with either his left or right foot as well as adding the finishing touch — whether that be a pass or a shot, has been vital to their recent resurgence.

Away to Southampton in midweek, however, Saka and Pepe both started. Pepe, who was on the pitch until the 89th minute, attempted more take-ons (five, completing four) and had more touches (58) than in any other Premier League match this season. He also made his most passes ending in the final third (17) and of course, equalised early on with a well-placed finish.

Alongside his attacking output, encouraged by Granit Xhaka behind him, the 25-year-old also made a season-high seven recoveries, contested seven aerial duels (winning 71.4 per cent of them), while also making three clearances and two tackle attempts (50 per cent won).

Playing him off the left as opposed to the right had the desired effect and he looked confident throughout.

“It was more because of what we wanted to do in attack and the spaces we wanted to exploit,” Arteta explained post-match.

“We believed that we could exploit some spaces there and he could be very efficient to do that. He was involved in our best attacking moments and the way he’s been training, he deserves his chance and I think today he did the job really well.”

The aim to exploit those spaces was evident throughout, but particularly for Pepe’s equaliser. As discussed post-match, Arteta wanted Arsenal to defend high and restrict space for Southampton, which caused several turnovers in the early stages of the game.

This can be seen in these grabs, where Alexandre Lacazette gets a touch on Jack Stephens’ pass out of the back line, directing it into Saka’s path. The 19-year-old needs just one touch to lay the ball in to Thomas Partey.

On the opposite side of the pitch, right-back Yan Valery is caught extremely high, while Pepe is loitering near centre-back Jan Bednarek, ready to exploit the space between them.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-1-1024x576.png


As Partey slides the ball across to Xhaka, Pepe immediately rushes into the space.

Valery is dangerously out of position due to the quick turnover while Bednarek is flat-footed, having to account for both Pepe to his outside and Emile Smith Rowe on the inside.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-2-1024x576.png


After the initial burst, Pepe does well to readjust his body (below) to get properly goal-side of Valery before Xhaka releases him in the box — with the full-back touch-tight by the time he receives the pass, that was just as important to protect the ball as his initial movement to get into that position.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-3-1024x576.png


This, however, was not the first time Arteta had trialled Pepe on the left wing. He did so just days earlier, in the second half of the FA Cup loss to Southampton and more frequently in the Europa League group stage, as well as against Liverpool in both July (Premier League) and October (Carabao Cup).

In these games, Pepe appeared confident with fewer restrictions. This was particularly evident in that cup game at Anfield, where Arsenal adopted a similar game plan to that wheeled out at Southampton, looking to release him between the right-back and centre-back twice in the first 10 minutes.

As Sead Kolasinac lays the ball back to Xhaka in this grab, Pepe has already begun his run in behind the defence. Xhaka doesn’t hesitate and bends a first-time pass between Neco Williams and namesake Rhys…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-1-1024x576.png


Pepe is able to stretch his legs without the thought of having to cut back once receiving the ball. Instead, he simply lays a pass off to Joe Willock, who is advancing towards the edge of the box, leaving Liverpool’s defence little chance to get properly set…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-2-1024x576.png


Eddie Nketiah makes a nice movement to the back post as Virgil van Dijk engages the ball…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-3-1024x576.png


As Willock plays the ball across to him, however, he stumbles over his first touch which gives goalkeeper Adrian a chance to close the angle.

Pepe’s presence may not have led to a goal on that occasion, but it showed that good chances can come from him being used on the left wing, especially with Xhaka playing behind him. Southampton presented those opportunities much closer to the goal, but in games when the Swiss midfielder may find himself deployed deeper, that combination could also work as an out-ball in the middle third.

At St Mary’s, their partnership was no coincidence. On the night, the Xhaka to Pepe pass, which was played eight times (with a 100 per cent completion rate), was Arsenal’s second-highest combination after Rob Holding to Hector Bellerin (nine) — but first when only considering forward passes.

When used out there in the FA Cup tie last weekend, another aspect of his game that appeared more simple was how he combined with his striker.

Cutting inside more often than not when on the right, Pepe took time away from himself and his team-mates. Attending Europa League games behind closed doors, screams of “Nico! Nico!” could be heard frequently from Nketiah to no avail. Holding his width on the left, however, he was better served to supply his striker.

Receiving the ball on the touchline in our next example, he could continue to face forwards. Kyle Walker-Peters has to engage him as a result, while Nketiah can run in behind to the highlighted space rather than coming towards the ball.

Nicolas-Pepe-Through-Ball-vs-Southampton-1-1024x576.png


The pass is simple, but having Southampton’s defence running back to their own goal in a slight panic is much better than allowing them to settle into a low block while Pepe tries to create inroads — as had been the case against Newcastle United in the previous round.

Nicolas-Pepe-Through-Ball-vs-Southampton-2-1024x576.png


Nketiah’s shot is saved by Fraser Forster, but once again, proves that clear-cut chances can come from using Pepe on the left.

Arteta has insisted he’s been impressed by the Ivory Coast international in training as well as in his recent performances against Southampton. That being said, for the advantages that have come from him playing on the opposite wing, there will be conditions that may mean this isn’t a regular occurrence.

First of all, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return from compassionate leave will force Arteta into a choice. Whether that be against Manchester United this weekend or later on, the manager will have to decide whether Pepe is deserving of that place in the starting line-up or if his club captain comes straight back into the starting XI.

There may be potential to play them together, with Aubameyang moving more central, but Lacazette deserves to keep his place as the central striker. Not just because of his goals, but because of the way he combines with Saka and Smith Rowe between the lines and in the final third.

Aside from that, what happens behind Pepe may also have an impact.


With Cedric Soares at left-back, balance was necessary. Although the Portuguese attacked well against former club Southampton, using both feet to cause problems, the return of Kieran Tierney from his calf injury may give Arteta another dilemma. Does he use two left-footers to drive down that wing or one alongside a right-footer who can also influence the game further inside the pitch?

How new signing Martin Ødegaard fits into the side may also have some bearing on how this particular style of approach play may differ. If Arteta perseveres with a 4-2-3-1, including Xhaka in the double pivot, it may continue, but if he reverts to the 4-3-3 he initially trialled in June, Ødegaard may take the role of supplying Pepe as one of the No 8s.

Either way, heading into the second half of the season, Arteta is starting to get what he needs from Pepe.

Rotation will be necessary over the coming months and the more ways he can be used, and used efficiently, the better.
 

AberGooner

Established Member
Trusted ⭐

Country: Scotland

Player:Gabriel
I hope he starts again tonight. If he's going to have a future here long term then we can't go back to square one again by dropping him after a decent game in the cup and a great game in the league. To get him into form I think he's the type of player who needs a consistent run of games especially with the first choice players.
 

Baguette

Le Manberg Français
My friends from the Athletic with some Pepe propaganda for once! :bounce:

Nicolas Pepe has been on a constant search for consistency since signing for Arsenal 18 months ago.

Used primarily as a right winger by Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and now Mikel Arteta, he has provided flashes of brilliance but failed to maintain those standards.

Making strides late last season under Arteta after the first lockdown, his improvement was somewhat undermined by the summer arrival of Willian on a free transfer. The 32-year-old took his place in the starting XI when the new campaign began in September, leaving just the cup competitions and Premier League cameos for the Ivorian to make an impression in.

Subsequently, Bukayo Saka’s emergence as Arsenal’s most efficient right winger has threatened to put Pepe in a similar situation. Saka’s more rounded game, in which he can take his man on with either his left or right foot as well as adding the finishing touch — whether that be a pass or a shot, has been vital to their recent resurgence.

Away to Southampton in midweek, however, Saka and Pepe both started. Pepe, who was on the pitch until the 89th minute, attempted more take-ons (five, completing four) and had more touches (58) than in any other Premier League match this season. He also made his most passes ending in the final third (17) and of course, equalised early on with a well-placed finish.

Alongside his attacking output, encouraged by Granit Xhaka behind him, the 25-year-old also made a season-high seven recoveries, contested seven aerial duels (winning 71.4 per cent of them), while also making three clearances and two tackle attempts (50 per cent won).

Playing him off the left as opposed to the right had the desired effect and he looked confident throughout.

“It was more because of what we wanted to do in attack and the spaces we wanted to exploit,” Arteta explained post-match.

“We believed that we could exploit some spaces there and he could be very efficient to do that. He was involved in our best attacking moments and the way he’s been training, he deserves his chance and I think today he did the job really well.”

The aim to exploit those spaces was evident throughout, but particularly for Pepe’s equaliser. As discussed post-match, Arteta wanted Arsenal to defend high and restrict space for Southampton, which caused several turnovers in the early stages of the game.

This can be seen in these grabs, where Alexandre Lacazette gets a touch on Jack Stephens’ pass out of the back line, directing it into Saka’s path. The 19-year-old needs just one touch to lay the ball in to Thomas Partey.

On the opposite side of the pitch, right-back Yan Valery is caught extremely high, while Pepe is loitering near centre-back Jan Bednarek, ready to exploit the space between them.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-1-1024x576.png


As Partey slides the ball across to Xhaka, Pepe immediately rushes into the space.

Valery is dangerously out of position due to the quick turnover while Bednarek is flat-footed, having to account for both Pepe to his outside and Emile Smith Rowe on the inside.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-2-1024x576.png


After the initial burst, Pepe does well to readjust his body (below) to get properly goal-side of Valery before Xhaka releases him in the box — with the full-back touch-tight by the time he receives the pass, that was just as important to protect the ball as his initial movement to get into that position.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-3-1024x576.png


This, however, was not the first time Arteta had trialled Pepe on the left wing. He did so just days earlier, in the second half of the FA Cup loss to Southampton and more frequently in the Europa League group stage, as well as against Liverpool in both July (Premier League) and October (Carabao Cup).

In these games, Pepe appeared confident with fewer restrictions. This was particularly evident in that cup game at Anfield, where Arsenal adopted a similar game plan to that wheeled out at Southampton, looking to release him between the right-back and centre-back twice in the first 10 minutes.

As Sead Kolasinac lays the ball back to Xhaka in this grab, Pepe has already begun his run in behind the defence. Xhaka doesn’t hesitate and bends a first-time pass between Neco Williams and namesake Rhys…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-1-1024x576.png


Pepe is able to stretch his legs without the thought of having to cut back once receiving the ball. Instead, he simply lays a pass off to Joe Willock, who is advancing towards the edge of the box, leaving Liverpool’s defence little chance to get properly set…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-2-1024x576.png


Eddie Nketiah makes a nice movement to the back post as Virgil van Dijk engages the ball…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-3-1024x576.png


As Willock plays the ball across to him, however, he stumbles over his first touch which gives goalkeeper Adrian a chance to close the angle.

Pepe’s presence may not have led to a goal on that occasion, but it showed that good chances can come from him being used on the left wing, especially with Xhaka playing behind him. Southampton presented those opportunities much closer to the goal, but in games when the Swiss midfielder may find himself deployed deeper, that combination could also work as an out-ball in the middle third.

At St Mary’s, their partnership was no coincidence. On the night, the Xhaka to Pepe pass, which was played eight times (with a 100 per cent completion rate), was Arsenal’s second-highest combination after Rob Holding to Hector Bellerin (nine) — but first when only considering forward passes.

When used out there in the FA Cup tie last weekend, another aspect of his game that appeared more simple was how he combined with his striker.

Cutting inside more often than not when on the right, Pepe took time away from himself and his team-mates. Attending Europa League games behind closed doors, screams of “Nico! Nico!” could be heard frequently from Nketiah to no avail. Holding his width on the left, however, he was better served to supply his striker.

Receiving the ball on the touchline in our next example, he could continue to face forwards. Kyle Walker-Peters has to engage him as a result, while Nketiah can run in behind to the highlighted space rather than coming towards the ball.

Nicolas-Pepe-Through-Ball-vs-Southampton-1-1024x576.png


The pass is simple, but having Southampton’s defence running back to their own goal in a slight panic is much better than allowing them to settle into a low block while Pepe tries to create inroads — as had been the case against Newcastle United in the previous round.

Nicolas-Pepe-Through-Ball-vs-Southampton-2-1024x576.png


Nketiah’s shot is saved by Fraser Forster, but once again, proves that clear-cut chances can come from using Pepe on the left.

Arteta has insisted he’s been impressed by the Ivory Coast international in training as well as in his recent performances against Southampton. That being said, for the advantages that have come from him playing on the opposite wing, there will be conditions that may mean this isn’t a regular occurrence.

First of all, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return from compassionate leave will force Arteta into a choice. Whether that be against Manchester United this weekend or later on, the manager will have to decide whether Pepe is deserving of that place in the starting line-up or if his club captain comes straight back into the starting XI.

There may be potential to play them together, with Aubameyang moving more central, but Lacazette deserves to keep his place as the central striker. Not just because of his goals, but because of the way he combines with Saka and Smith Rowe between the lines and in the final third.

Aside from that, what happens behind Pepe may also have an impact.


With Cedric Soares at left-back, balance was necessary. Although the Portuguese attacked well against former club Southampton, using both feet to cause problems, the return of Kieran Tierney from his calf injury may give Arteta another dilemma. Does he use two left-footers to drive down that wing or one alongside a right-footer who can also influence the game further inside the pitch?

How new signing Martin Ødegaard fits into the side may also have some bearing on how this particular style of approach play may differ. If Arteta perseveres with a 4-2-3-1, including Xhaka in the double pivot, it may continue, but if he reverts to the 4-3-3 he initially trialled in June, Ødegaard may take the role of supplying Pepe as one of the No 8s.

Either way, heading into the second half of the season, Arteta is starting to get what he needs from Pepe.

Rotation will be necessary over the coming months and the more ways he can be used, and used efficiently, the better.

Don’t tel me you’re actually paying for an Athletic subscription.
 

Macho

In search of Pure Profit 💸
Dusted 🔻

Country: England
Trilly already prepping his stats to prove Pires wrong. :lol:
He’s kinda wrong tbh, the intensity thing doesn’t make sense - he tied ESR for ball recoveries in the last match.

Özil is a legend in football, I dunno about club legend though.

Anyways I don’t know how Pepe comes back from that one especially as he’s played well in his past two matches. Oh well.
 

Trilly

Hates A-M, Saka, Arteta and You
Trusted ⭐

Country: England
My friends from the Athletic with some Pepe propaganda for once! :bounce:

Nicolas Pepe has been on a constant search for consistency since signing for Arsenal 18 months ago.

Used primarily as a right winger by Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and now Mikel Arteta, he has provided flashes of brilliance but failed to maintain those standards.

Making strides late last season under Arteta after the first lockdown, his improvement was somewhat undermined by the summer arrival of Willian on a free transfer. The 32-year-old took his place in the starting XI when the new campaign began in September, leaving just the cup competitions and Premier League cameos for the Ivorian to make an impression in.

Subsequently, Bukayo Saka’s emergence as Arsenal’s most efficient right winger has threatened to put Pepe in a similar situation. Saka’s more rounded game, in which he can take his man on with either his left or right foot as well as adding the finishing touch — whether that be a pass or a shot, has been vital to their recent resurgence.

Away to Southampton in midweek, however, Saka and Pepe both started. Pepe, who was on the pitch until the 89th minute, attempted more take-ons (five, completing four) and had more touches (58) than in any other Premier League match this season. He also made his most passes ending in the final third (17) and of course, equalised early on with a well-placed finish.

Alongside his attacking output, encouraged by Granit Xhaka behind him, the 25-year-old also made a season-high seven recoveries, contested seven aerial duels (winning 71.4 per cent of them), while also making three clearances and two tackle attempts (50 per cent won).

Playing him off the left as opposed to the right had the desired effect and he looked confident throughout.

“It was more because of what we wanted to do in attack and the spaces we wanted to exploit,” Arteta explained post-match.

“We believed that we could exploit some spaces there and he could be very efficient to do that. He was involved in our best attacking moments and the way he’s been training, he deserves his chance and I think today he did the job really well.”

The aim to exploit those spaces was evident throughout, but particularly for Pepe’s equaliser. As discussed post-match, Arteta wanted Arsenal to defend high and restrict space for Southampton, which caused several turnovers in the early stages of the game.

This can be seen in these grabs, where Alexandre Lacazette gets a touch on Jack Stephens’ pass out of the back line, directing it into Saka’s path. The 19-year-old needs just one touch to lay the ball in to Thomas Partey.

On the opposite side of the pitch, right-back Yan Valery is caught extremely high, while Pepe is loitering near centre-back Jan Bednarek, ready to exploit the space between them.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-1-1024x576.png


As Partey slides the ball across to Xhaka, Pepe immediately rushes into the space.

Valery is dangerously out of position due to the quick turnover while Bednarek is flat-footed, having to account for both Pepe to his outside and Emile Smith Rowe on the inside.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-2-1024x576.png


After the initial burst, Pepe does well to readjust his body (below) to get properly goal-side of Valery before Xhaka releases him in the box — with the full-back touch-tight by the time he receives the pass, that was just as important to protect the ball as his initial movement to get into that position.

Nicolas-Pepe-Movement-vs-Southampton-3-1024x576.png


This, however, was not the first time Arteta had trialled Pepe on the left wing. He did so just days earlier, in the second half of the FA Cup loss to Southampton and more frequently in the Europa League group stage, as well as against Liverpool in both July (Premier League) and October (Carabao Cup).

In these games, Pepe appeared confident with fewer restrictions. This was particularly evident in that cup game at Anfield, where Arsenal adopted a similar game plan to that wheeled out at Southampton, looking to release him between the right-back and centre-back twice in the first 10 minutes.

As Sead Kolasinac lays the ball back to Xhaka in this grab, Pepe has already begun his run in behind the defence. Xhaka doesn’t hesitate and bends a first-time pass between Neco Williams and namesake Rhys…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-1-1024x576.png


Pepe is able to stretch his legs without the thought of having to cut back once receiving the ball. Instead, he simply lays a pass off to Joe Willock, who is advancing towards the edge of the box, leaving Liverpool’s defence little chance to get properly set…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-2-1024x576.png


Eddie Nketiah makes a nice movement to the back post as Virgil van Dijk engages the ball…

Granit-Xhaka-Link-Nicolas-Pepe-vs-Liverpool-3-1024x576.png


As Willock plays the ball across to him, however, he stumbles over his first touch which gives goalkeeper Adrian a chance to close the angle.

Pepe’s presence may not have led to a goal on that occasion, but it showed that good chances can come from him being used on the left wing, especially with Xhaka playing behind him. Southampton presented those opportunities much closer to the goal, but in games when the Swiss midfielder may find himself deployed deeper, that combination could also work as an out-ball in the middle third.

At St Mary’s, their partnership was no coincidence. On the night, the Xhaka to Pepe pass, which was played eight times (with a 100 per cent completion rate), was Arsenal’s second-highest combination after Rob Holding to Hector Bellerin (nine) — but first when only considering forward passes.

When used out there in the FA Cup tie last weekend, another aspect of his game that appeared more simple was how he combined with his striker.

Cutting inside more often than not when on the right, Pepe took time away from himself and his team-mates. Attending Europa League games behind closed doors, screams of “Nico! Nico!” could be heard frequently from Nketiah to no avail. Holding his width on the left, however, he was better served to supply his striker.

Receiving the ball on the touchline in our next example, he could continue to face forwards. Kyle Walker-Peters has to engage him as a result, while Nketiah can run in behind to the highlighted space rather than coming towards the ball.

Nicolas-Pepe-Through-Ball-vs-Southampton-1-1024x576.png


The pass is simple, but having Southampton’s defence running back to their own goal in a slight panic is much better than allowing them to settle into a low block while Pepe tries to create inroads — as had been the case against Newcastle United in the previous round.

Nicolas-Pepe-Through-Ball-vs-Southampton-2-1024x576.png


Nketiah’s shot is saved by Fraser Forster, but once again, proves that clear-cut chances can come from using Pepe on the left.

Arteta has insisted he’s been impressed by the Ivory Coast international in training as well as in his recent performances against Southampton. That being said, for the advantages that have come from him playing on the opposite wing, there will be conditions that may mean this isn’t a regular occurrence.

First of all, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return from compassionate leave will force Arteta into a choice. Whether that be against Manchester United this weekend or later on, the manager will have to decide whether Pepe is deserving of that place in the starting line-up or if his club captain comes straight back into the starting XI.

There may be potential to play them together, with Aubameyang moving more central, but Lacazette deserves to keep his place as the central striker. Not just because of his goals, but because of the way he combines with Saka and Smith Rowe between the lines and in the final third.

Aside from that, what happens behind Pepe may also have an impact.


With Cedric Soares at left-back, balance was necessary. Although the Portuguese attacked well against former club Southampton, using both feet to cause problems, the return of Kieran Tierney from his calf injury may give Arteta another dilemma. Does he use two left-footers to drive down that wing or one alongside a right-footer who can also influence the game further inside the pitch?

How new signing Martin Ødegaard fits into the side may also have some bearing on how this particular style of approach play may differ. If Arteta perseveres with a 4-2-3-1, including Xhaka in the double pivot, it may continue, but if he reverts to the 4-3-3 he initially trialled in June, Ødegaard may take the role of supplying Pepe as one of the No 8s.

Either way, heading into the second half of the season, Arteta is starting to get what he needs from Pepe.

Rotation will be necessary over the coming months and the more ways he can be used, and used efficiently, the better.
Not sure how much better he is on the left than the right but he’s benefitting from playing on our left side. Our best passers are all there.
 

SingmeasongSong

Right Sometimes
He’s kinda wrong tbh, the intensity thing doesn’t make sense - he tied ESR for ball recoveries in the last match.

Özil is a legend in football, I dunno about club legend though.

Anyways I don’t know how Pepe comes back from that one especially as he’s played well in his past two matches. Oh well.

Some people will get hurt just because Pires has been a legend on the field, but that's a thing not to be mixed up with, you can easily say that Pires is quite wrong there.

Pepe is INconsistent, but he's proven to be capable of having MOTM performances against smaller teams as well as big clubs im the league.

The argument that he isn't capable of making a mockery of defenders here as much as he did in ligue 1 is just wrong.
 
Last edited:

Fewtch

Özil at 10 And Emery Out
Hopefully we capitalise on Laca's good form and get a good fee in the summer. It'd be great if Arteta transformed Pepe into a decent CF - it seems like the kind of thing Wenger did all the time whenever our CF was poached.

I'm getting the unfortunate feeling Pepe will be squeezed out with Ødegaard's signing. Saka has RW locked down right now. When Auba is available, he will almost certainly play LW. ESR & Ødegaard will rotate the 10.

Going forward beyond next season I'd love to see Pepe up front. It's the dream but I doubt it'll happen with bad vibes mik, aka The PE Teacher, aka Interview Interrupter. aka Tapas Pulis

@BigPoppaPump @Trilly did I miss any mikel slurs?
Bielsa actually tried him up front in a 4231 during the first half of the 17/18 season. Scored 3 in 14 then got moved to RW after Bielsa was sacked and scored 10 in 17.
 

tap-in

Nothing Wrong With Me
I hope he starts again tonight. If he's going to have a future here long term then we can't go back to square one again by dropping him after a decent game in the cup and a great game in the league. To get him into form I think he's the type of player who needs a consistent run of games especially with the first choice players.

I hope so too. Keep him on the left, I was saying recently I feel Bellerin on the right isnt good for Pepe. He just ends up isolated because Bellerin is the one that cuts in. On the left Pepe seems more involved.
 
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