Arsenal fans want Nicolas Pepe to return to the starting XI for their showdown with Manchester City today.
In previous years, Arsenal were always the top dogs during this fixture.
But a very rich owner from the Gulf State added with Arsenal’s steep decline has resulted in Man City delivering knock out blows from the top, whilst those in North London struggle to just get into the ring.
Well, given the nature of today’s game, some Arsenal fans would like to see Pepe from the get-go, especially with that crucial second-leg tie against Benfica coming up.
Prior to being put on the bench, Pepe was going through one of his best spells in an Arsenal shirt, albeit not setting the world, there was finally promise from the left-footed speedster.
But since that Villa defeat, he has spent only 13 minutes on the field of play, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all selected as the attacking options ahead of him.
Whilst Pepe has played on the right during his time at Arsenal, in recent weeks, where he has had his success, he has switched to the left.
That doesn’t bode well for Pepe because of the quality out on that side, but that doesn’t mean his versatility cannot still get him into the team.
Either way, the Arsenal fans would like to see his name on the teamsheet against the runaway leaders:
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