Paul Merson praised Nicolas Pepe for his cameo appearance during Arsenal’s 3-3 draw at the London Stadium.
The ex-Highbury player told Super Sunday on Sky Sports that Pepe’s cross for Arsenal’s equalising goal was ‘phenomenal’ and it was a cross ‘put on a plate with a knife and fork’.
What was even more impressive about Pepe’s assist was that his cross, from the right flank, came via his right foot rather than his left.
And that’s credit to the player and his manager, because previously, Mikel Arteta has played him out on the left in order to make him stronger on his weaker side.
Nonetheless, this is what Merson had to say about Pepe’s 20-minute cameo last night, which proved to be decisive.
“This is what Arsenal have,” said Merson. “They have quality players who can hurt you when you have ten behind the ball.
“A ball (from Pepe) with the wrong foo and what a ball that is.
“I mean that’s not even a dink, he has put whip on it as well. It’s a phenomenal ball. It’s a special cross that is. It’s a cross that has been put on a plate with a knife and fork.”
Whilst Arsenal’s comeback yesterday looks all impressive, it will be a worry to Arteta that they were 3-0 down in next to no time.
Producing those types of performances again might come back to hurt them, especially if they creep their way into Europe.
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