Mikel Arteta shares what Nicolas Pepe text him at 3am during the night before Wolves

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Nicolas Pepe was the hero for Arsenal last night – well, one of them – as he came off the bench to have a huge impact in a crucial Gunners win against Wolves.

Pepe scored the equaliser after coming on as sub and sparked a fresh energy into an Arsenal side who looked like they could be heading for a bitter defeat inside The Emirates. The Ivorian has been praised by Mikel Arteta already for coming back from the AFCON a different player. And last night, he did show signs of that new attitude.

Remarkably, Mikel Arteta has also revealed that Pepe had messaged him at 3am only the night before the game to inform the Gunners boss that he and his partner had welcomed a new baby to the world.

“Pepe, he had a baby last night. At 2-3am he text me and said yeah, I want to come and help the team. So this thing happened and it isn’t a coincidence, it’s because the togetherness and unity is there,” Arteta said on Talksport’s Sports Bar last night.

TBR’s View: Nicolas Pepe Finally About To Deliver For Arsenal

It would be a huge bonus for Arteta if he can. Pepe has shown flashes of brilliance since signing for more than £70m but never hit consistent levels.

Last night could be a big moment in his Arsenal career. Of course, he’ll need to be given chances by Arteta to keep building but you get the impression the Gunners boss does trust Pepe now.

On this specific quote, it’s great to see Pepe’s commitment to the cause. This is exactly what Arsenal need if they’re going to make the top four.