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#3 Nicolas Pepe starts for Arsenal
It has become evidently clear that Mikel Arteta sees Willian as his first choice right winger in the Arsenal starting XI. This decision does not look too good on Nicolas Pepe, who was brought into the team for a huge fee, and is still struggling to find his feet in England. Tonight, the Ivorian got his first start of the season, in the Carabao Cup. Did he take his opportunity? Kind of.
This may not have been the 25-year-old’s best game in an Arsenal shirt, but in the decisive moment of the game, it was he that helped break the deadlock. In one of the rare moments that he got in behind Leicester’s left-hand side, Pepe’s persistence and good fortune eventually bundled the ball into the net off Christian Fuchs.
In a rare start for the winger, Pepe had 55 touches of the ball, provided 6 crosses, won 3 duels and created 1 chance in a performance that showed promising signs.
#2 The return of James Maddison
Leicester City fans have not seen one of their prized assets, James Maddison, on the pitch since the end of last season. Brendan Rodgers played Maddison against an in-form Arsenal side in his favoured #10 role. The 23-year-old was tasked with being the team’s main creative outlet.
In a performance that showed the fans glimpses of his quality, the midfielder had 50 touches of the ball, attempted 4 shots on goal, completed 1 dribble and hit the woodwork. He was not at his best, but Rodgers will be happy knowing his prized creator is back to full fitness.
#1 Eddie Nketiah’s form continues
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Eddie Nketiah will get an opportunity to shine this season. There is something the Spaniard sees in the 21-year-old that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa didn’t, and he has decided to make him a backup option to Alexandre Lacazette. And if he continues in this vein of form, Nketiah may start more games in the season.
Against an experienced old head in Leicester City's Wes Morgan, the youngster gave him the run-around. His movement was good, his holdup play was assertive and tenacity off the ball was unmatched. All Arteta demands of the youngster is hard work and good on the ball decisions, two things he displayed tonight.
In an accomplished attacking performance, the Arsenal striker had 33 touches of the ball, completed 14 passes, won 3 duels, made 1 tackle, and scored the deciding goal. That’s two in two for the 21-year-old as he continues to blossom at exactly the right time for the Gunners.
