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Ian Wright has told The Review Show on Optus Sport that Nicolas Pepe’s form in an Arsenal shirt has massively improved since the winger was sent off for headbutting Leeds United defender Gjanni Alioski, earlier in the season.
Pepe, 25, got his name on the score sheet on Saturday as The Gunners produced an excellent away win over Leicester City – coming from behind to win the game 3-1 at the King Power. Pepe tapped home from inside the six-yard box.
But the Ivory Coast international deserved his goal. He was a threat all afternoon, and it was another example of a brilliant performance from the club’s record signing – as he continues to show much better form under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal legend Wright believes Pepe is showing much better form since he was sent off against Leeds for an altercation with Alioski. He has suggested he is working harder, and has more confidence in him – from Arteta.
“He seems to have a certain amount of confidence, which I didn’t see earlier in the season. His value is nothing to do with him, you use him how he wants to be used. Him and Cedric have got a really good thing going, back him up.”
TBR’s view – Can Pepe save Arsenal’s season?
European qualification looks unlikely. Sitting in 10th place after 26 games, and six points off the top six – Arsenal are also behind the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa who have games in hand regarding their pursuit of Europe.
But there are still 36 points to play for. Arsenal will have a chance if they can win the majority of their remaining 12 league games and they will need Pepe to be firing on all cylinders if they are to stand any chance of getting into the top six.
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