West Ham vs Arsenal: 3 reasons why Gunners won the game | Premier League 2019-20

#1 Nicolas Pepe has arrived!

West Ham United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

For someone who came into the toughest and most physical league in the world from Ligue 1, Nicolas Pepe did not have the best of starts to his Arsenal career and his confidence was rock bottom until last night. The Ivorian only had 3 starts to his name in the Premier League coming into the game against West Ham, and Freddie Ljungberg presented him with an opportunity to hit back at his critics, which he did in triumphant fashion.

Nicolas Pepe completed 5 dribbles last night, more than any other player on the pitch. He also attempted 3 shots and was always trying to link up with Aubameyang as well as tracking back efficiently to give Maitland Niles much-needed support. The 24-year-old was always trying to make things happen, as he often dropped deep to receive the ball from the midfielders and create something for Martinelli and Aubameyang. A scintillating goal followed by a sweet assist to Aubameyang and Pepe's celebration really summed up how important it was for him to get back on track.

A £72 million price tag is never too easy to handle, and the fact that he also had to miss the pre-season with the squad due to national commitments made things very difficult for Nicolas Pepe. But he has changed all that at least on the evidence of last night. However, as G. Michael Hopf says,

"Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times."