Star player to watch – Nicolas Pepe

SuperSport viewers on DStv can look forward to seeing one of Africa’s top footballing sons, Nicolas Pepe, looking to continue his excellent recent form in the Premier League this coming weekend.

The Ivorian was a big money signing for Arsenal at the start of the Premier League season and his career with the London began promisingly. However, as the Gunners started to struggle for form, so did Pepe. The former Angers, Orleans and Lille player gradually fell out of favour from the starting line-up and was unable to showcase the thrilling pace and attacking verve that made him such a hit in Ligue 1.

Yet this past weekend may have brought a turning point for the French-born Ivorian international, who was superb in Arsenal’s 4-0 destruction of Newcastle United. Pepe not only netted himself, but also provided assists for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with Pepe’s sizzling showing against the Magpies and believes the 24-year-old can perform to this level more often.

Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal held at Selhurst park in London, Britain, 11 January. EPA/FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications

“We just need consistency from him,” Arteta explained after Arsenal’s best performance since he succeeded Unai Emery as permanent manager. “Wide talented players in this league are not easy to get because obviously the most difficult thing to do is create things, but we’ve said some things and we need Nico to maintain game by game.

“He knows that and it’s the way he was applying himself defensively in a few moments, he was top drawer. “That’s what he wasn’t doing in the past and when he does that, the rewards in the other box come. He made a difference today.”

SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can next see Pepe in action on Sunday 23 February when Arsenal host Everton for a Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium in London.

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