Report: Arsenal staff lauded Pepe behind the scenes after Wolves win

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Nicolas Pepe was hailed by the Arsenal staff behind the scenes following their win on Thursday, with The Athletic reporting that they were raving about his commitment to the side.

Pepe opened his account in the Premier League for this season at the Emirates last week. He bagged the equaliser with a superb piece of composure in the Gunners’ crucial clash with Wolves.

Before his introduction with 19 minutes remaining, Arsenal appeared to be heading for an agonising loss. Wolves had taken a first-half lead after a mistake from Gabriel Magalhaes.

And as the latter stages loomed, the frustration appeared to be building inside the ground. However, Pepe stepped up with a brilliant goal to level the game.

Of course, Alexandre Lacazette would then have the attempt that would lead to Arsenal’s stoppage-time winner. It was a stunning moment that could certainly prove to be pivotal as Mikel Arteta’s men look to win the race to finish in the top-four.

But interestingly, many associated with the club may feel that the key point actually came earlier in the contest with Pepe’s goal.

The Athletic reports that the Arsenal staff and players were left lauding Pepe behind the scenes.

The Ivorian was a doubt to play against Wolves. He welcomed a baby boy earlier in the week. And understandably, he had not been involved in training in the build-up to the game.

However, he informed Arteta that he was desperate to be involved against Wolves. And obviously, Arteta was vindicated for throwing him on.

Pepe goal could be turning point for himself as well as Arsenal

In some ways, Pepe’s goal could be more important for him than Arsenal in the long-term. Arteta’s side still have plenty to do to secure a top-four finish. And nothing would have been decided on Thursday had they lost.

The 26-year-old has never quite lived up to expectations at the Emirates. There have been glimpses of how ‘outstanding’ he can be. But it has never fully clicked.

Thursday however, could have seen one of his most important goals for the club. And obviously, Pepe is in a good place away from the pitch also.

Perhaps therefore, the win over Wolves may prove to be a real turning point for Pepe at Arsenal.