Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United: 5 players who impressed for the Gunners | Premier League 2019-20 

#3 Nicolas Pepe

Pepe broke the deadlock early on and enjoyed a very productive first-half as Arsenal shone

Nicolas Pepe took his goal well and played full of confidence in the first-half, refreshing to see from a player who has been subject to all sorts of criticism since his club-record £72m move was made official last August.

He can consider himself unlucky not to have doubled their lead before half-time, hitting the post from distance with a well-struck effort that left David de Gea sprawling towards his near post, while he caused problems aplenty for United who couldn't cope with him.

After that breakthrough game at the London Stadium last month, many supporters and critics alike were quick to suggest that was perhaps the turning point in Pepe's Arsenal career. Although he - among others - struggled in the early part of the campaign, the fact he came with such a hefty price-tag didn't help his confidence levels either.

In future, he has to deliver more regular performances of this calibre to warrant his selection. The quality is there, even when the application and decision-making might not be. His match stats speak for themselves: 26 completed passes (100% pass success), 8 of 16 duels won, four key passes and successful dribbles, one tackle and interception, one goal and woodwork hit.

However, it wasn't surprising to see him replaced on the hour mark, as Arteta sensed he wasn't performing with the same intensity levels with Arsenal finding themselves under pressure to start the second half. That is to be expected, though he cannot afford to rest on his laurels with a determined Reiss Nelson eager for more first-team minutes.