Martin Keown told BT Sport during Arsenal’s win at Southampton on Tuesday that Nicolas Pepe is starting to impress after taking ‘a lot of criticism’.
The Highbury legend also stated that Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe has now become ‘irreplaceable’ at the club.
Both players impressed during Arsenal’s most recent win and they will be looking to dazzle once again at the weekend when a certain Manchester United visit the Emirates.
Nonetheless, this is the verdict Keown provided of both Pepe and Smith Rowe.
“I think he was at fault for the first goal, but he certainly made up for it [with the goal],” said Keown. “His first touch there. Quality. His second one to match it.
“He has done well because he has taken a lot of criticism at the weekend – I think it was right for Pepe to stay on because part of the problem would be him having the match fitness he needs to make those runs for when you are taking somebody on all the time.
“It’s physically one of the most difficult things for a player to do. It has been a good performance from Pepe.”
On Smith Rowe: “He’s almost irreplaceable, at the moment, such have been his performances and the results have all changed in and around this man.”
It could be argued that Pepe’s recent performance for Arsenal is most pleasing because they need him to start showcasing his talents after his big-money move to England.
Pepe wasn’t a Mikel Arteta signing, so it’s easy for him to push away the Unai Emery capture, but those in North London need him firing because it would take them to the next level.
Well, another test awaits Pepe because a Saturday evening showdown from title contenders Manchester United awaits him.
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