Martin Keown wrong to make claim over Arsenal duo Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka

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Arsenal beat Molde 4-1 last night with Mikel Arteta choosing to utilise a second string that included Nicolas Pepe. In the process, Martin Keown was being proved badly wrong with some comments from just over a year ago.

Shortly after a 1-1 draw with Vitoria in the Europa League, the former centre-back claimed that the big-money signing of Pepe could stunt the progression of youngster Bukayo Saka.

Fast forward a year and it’s a case of role reversal, with the England newcomer essentially restricting the Ivorian international to Europa League outings.

Saka enjoyed a quality season once Mikel Arteta arrived during the 2019/20 campaign, with the academy graduate really proving his worth.

He scored four goals and registered 11 assists as Arsenal roared to FA Cup glory, beating Chelsea in the final.

It is now the former youth starlet who is making life difficult for Pepe to squeeze into Arteta’s thinking in the Premier League.

With Willian also arriving from Chelsea in the summer, the competition for places on the flanks is currently fierce.

Pepe, paid £100,000-a-week by the Gunners, scored and set one up in last night’s win but is expected to be back on the bench for the game with Aston Villa at the weekend.

Saka’s rise has been meteoric, to say the least – to the point where he is now ahead of a £72 million player in the process.

Based on Keown’s comments last year he will probably be impressed that the youngster is the one at the forefront of Arteta’s plans for the league campaign.

Arsenal’s squad is not far stronger than it was last season though and it’s fair to suggest that Pepe will also be needed to play a part this season.