Mikel Arteta told BT Sport 1 during their live coverage of Arsenal’s win at Southampton on Tuesday that Nicolas Pepe was ‘really good again’.
After going behind early through a first-time Stuart Armstrong finish, Arsenal showed some character to fight back and secure all three points.
Well, it was their previously struggling big-money signing, Pepe, who led that charge because he pounced on Granit Xhaka’s well-weighted through ball to slot home the equaliser.
Pepe, 25, was a nuisance throughout the match for Southampton and his manager was seriously impressed with what he produced once again.
“He was really good again,” said Arteta. “He created some big moments, he scored a goal and he was involved in many good actions.
“He worked really hard. He deserved his chance today and he took it.”
Only a six weeks ago, Arsenal fans didn’t even know what a win felt like because they were so numb in losing near-on every week.
Just like a certain Frank Lampard, it could have been a lot different for Arteta had those in the North London boardroom opted to pull the trigger.
But it hasn’t been the case and Arsenal are now reaping the rewards and climbing up the table.
There is still a long way to go but it’s starting to become an impressive turnaround from the Gunners, who will now be looking towards those European places.
What’s more pleasing is that Pepe is playing his part and starting to show the Arsenal fans his talents that have been hidden for far too long.
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