The enigma of Nicolas Pépé

It seems like every week I sit here and talk about how Arsenal lost or played poorly in the Premier League and played brilliantly in the Europa League. Yet again here we are! This contrast could not be truer of Nicolas Pépé this week with his red card against Leeds followed up by his man of the match performance against Molde. The latter of which leaves room for optimism, almost as if it undoes the former completely. It is hard to know what to think anymore when it comes to Pépé.

On Sunday Arsenal played Leeds at Elland Road, having Nicolas Pépé sent off during a nervy 0-0 draw. Given the circumstances, it was a decent point for the Gunners, but once again the performance was concerning. With 11 men during the first half, Arsenal were outshot 13-5, with Leeds missing several presentable chances. Hopes of a win further declined in the 51st minute when Pépé’s altercation with Ezgjan Alioski resulted in Pépé ‘headbutting’ the Leeds man. It was a case of moving his head towards his opponents to intimidate him and show anger rather than a Zidane style of headbutt. Nevertheless, it is a red card and a stupid decision from Pépé who will now miss the next 3 league games - with the way we have been playing in the league I'm jealous.

(Credit: Reuters)

Arsenal then shut up shop, looking to crowd their box and stop Leeds from scoring. It is an approach we have become accustomed to from Arsenal, particularly in the ‘big’ games, and again it proved successful. Leeds hit the woodwork 3 times but in terms of quality chances they had very few. As the game wore on, the influence of Kieran Tierney grew, and the introduction of Bukayo Saka helped to create two good chances for Arsenal on the counter. The best of which came from a driving run from Hector Bellerín who then played an excellent through ball to put Saka one on one. Saka looked to take it to the side of the keeper to create a better angle to score but the Leeds keeper did well not to commit and ultimately was able to make the save. Perhaps Saka should have tried to chip the keeper but at the end of the day finishing is not his best attribute and he was our brightest attacker (yet again).

Ball retention and progression was a noticeable issue for Arsenal in the first half. The ball was lost 17 times in the opening 45 minutes, whilst Leeds turned the ball over only 6 times. They are a team known for their high intensity pressing yet Arsenal fell into the trap time and time again. For all the creative issues and lack of shots, if the ball does not reach the forwards, how can we expect them to score. In that particular game, the absence of Thomas Partey and David Luiz was costly. We cannot know for sure if they, Luiz especially, would have been picked if fit, but for similar types of games in the future they are essential. Thomas Partey is superb at receiving the ball and beating the press. He put in an incredible performance against Liverpool (arguably the best team in the world) in the Champions League last season, bypassing their infamous gegenpressing time and time again. This is a trait that neither Ceballos nor Xhaka, nor Elneny for that matter, have and it was a trait that was crucial for that game.

Despite only playing 45 minutes and the opposition being Molde, David Luiz showed on Thursday that he too was essential for the Leeds game. A lot has been said about his passing range but it is phenomenal and so unique for his position. We saw against Leicester in the league that when he went of injured, Arsenal lost all their creativity. Against a team that likes to press in the way Leeds do, a player with the ability to take players out of the game with a long ball is so valuable. It also raises an interesting thought for the future of the team. We know Gabriel will be a starter for the remainder of the season and beyond, but it is clear we need a defender with a good passing range beside him. Even if it comes at the expense of conceding a few goals, progressing the ball quicker and more accurately may help the creativity issue.

On Thursday night Arsenal played Molde in Norway. It was a convincing 3-0 win for the Gunners with their passage to the knockout stages sealed with 2 matchweeks to go. Team selection was somewhat forced with injuries and Covid cases but it gave a good opportunity for Pépé to redeem himself, Willock and Nelson to continue their strong Europa League campaign, and Lacazette to prove he still has value at the club. All of which was achieved to some degree.

Pépé was bright throughout, playing like he had a point to prove. The openness of the game suited him as he was able to get up to full speed and dribble. The opening goal came from a deep Willock cross finding Pépé at the back post who took a touch and fired it into the far corner. He had crashed a shot off the bar from 25 yards about a minute before. For all his ability, the key for Pépé is simplicity. He has a fantastic strike, a good cross and can beat his man whenever he wants. However, too often he slows play down or tries to take on 4 players at a time so simplifying his game and concentrating on his strengths, as we saw against Molde, could help to improve his standing at Arsenal. The second goal came from a quick piece of play which released Willock on the right wing who fizzed it across the box for Nelson to tap home. Nelson was also excellent on the night, providing a constant source of danger off the left wing and justifying a selection for the Wolves game on Sunday. The third goal was made by the substitutes. Tierney played a through ball to Emile Smith-Rowe who found a cut back to Balogun. The young striker, on his second Arsenal appearance, rolled the defender and sent the keeper the wrong way to claim his first Arsenal goal. It was a feel-good ending to a feel-good night for Arsenal.

Pépé 1-0

Nelson 2-0

Balogun 3-0

Up next for Arsenal is a game against Wolves at the Emirates on Sunday at 7:15 pm. Like Arsenal, Wolves have yet to find consistency this season, but their rigid style often causes problems. The injury status of Partey, Saka, Luiz and Willian is unclear so Arsenal could be forced into rotation for this game but with the positivity of Thursday night, it is a game I think Arsenal will edge.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Wolves

Adam Perry - 27/11/2020