Plenty of Arsenal fans want Nicolas Pepe to start in the Premier League this weekend

Arsenal picked up another Europa League win last night, coming back from a goal down against Norwegian side Molde 4-1. Two own goals from the visitors at The Emirates and goals from Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka secured the win for Mikel Arteta.

It was a good result for Arsenal and one in which Ivory Coast winger Pepe again showcased the ability he does have in the Europa League.

Pepe has struggled to live up to the reported £72 million (Telegraph) price-tag paid for him in the summer of 2019.

So far this season the 25-years-old has rarely started a game in the Premier League and his inconsistency in the league certainly justifies Mikel Arteta’s decision to largely use him from the bench.

Arsenal FC v Molde FK: Group B - UEFA Europa League

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

However, in Europe, Pepe has been in fine form.

Pepe has scored two goals and provided two assists from three Europa League games so far this season.

That form in the Europa League has some Arsenal fans wondering if their club-record signing should be getting more football in the league.

In particular, it would appear that plenty of Arsenal fans would be happy to see Pepe get a chance ahead of the more experienced and industrious Willian, who has failed to register a goal or assist since the opening game of the season against Fulham.

Here is how some Arsenal fans have made their feelings clear about Pepe getting a chance for Mikel Arteta’s first-team…

Pepe is clear of Willian.
He may lose the ball sometimes and over hit crosses but that is because he is always looking to make something happen. Good goal today and an assist. Should have had two.
— Aubameyang FC (@aviv_lavi) November 5, 2020

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I’d rather watch Pepe try to make things happen for 80mins than Willian do absolutely nothing
— . (@BodegaaCat) November 5, 2020

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Pepe needs a run of games, throughout his entire Arsenal career it’s been stop start, Arteta needs to start him consistently and stick by him even if he has a difficult game, only way he’ll ever be able to build consistency, either that or just watch Willian stinkers every week
— James Stacey (@___James14) November 5, 2020

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We’ve all been calling for Pepe to start in Prem games as he needs a consistent run in the first team, but we all know he won’t be starting on Sunday because Willian was subbed off early.
Pepe really needs to be shining consistently in EL games for him to start in the Prem.
— ™️ (@AfcNas) November 5, 2020

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Pepe has to start on Sunday
— DelusionalGooner (@Gudjonkadonk) November 5, 2020

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It’s #OperationArsenal time!
Pepe should start more. Fact.https://t.co/d9a7UuUazA
— Matt (@MGH) November 5, 2020

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Pepe has to start against villa
— Saka AFC🇳🇬 (@BukayoSaka_07) November 5, 2020

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START PEPE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
— Henry ™ (@AfcHenryx) November 5, 2020

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Nicolas Pepe is Arsenal’s joint top scorer and joint top assister in all competitions this season. It’s important for Mikel Arteta to give him consistent game time now. Absolutely vital.
— WorldwideArsenal™ (@WorldwideAFC) November 5, 2020

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Arteta has blood on his hands if Pépé doesn’t start vs Villa 🩸 https://t.co/iNPZOcgOKm
— Ethan Manners (@EthanManners1) November 5, 2020

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No coincidence that Nicolas Pépé always get better as the game progresses. The more minutes he plays, the better he’ll play.
6 G/A this season. Start him in the PL @Arsenal now.
— Bhavs (@bhavss14) November 5, 2020

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Mikel Arteta should start pepe in every game. This guy is deadly pic.twitter.com/kgiXbHGZOj
— Bashbashash (@Bashbashash1) November 5, 2020

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Plenty of Arsenal fans want Nicolas Pepe to start in the Premier League this weekend