A section of Arsenal supporters are hoping to see Nicolas Pepe start against Chelsea in Mikel Arteta’s first home game in charge as Gunners boss.
The club-record signing was left on the bench by the Spaniard against Bouteouth on Boxing Day.
Pepe eventually came on for Reiss Nelson with eight minutes remaining, with Aretta having to settle for a point on the south coast.
The Ivorian has only started two of the Gunners’ last 10 Premier League outings, and these Arsenal fans are hoping to see the winger restored to the starting XI against Frank Lampard’s side on Sunday.
Twitter: If Pepe doesn’t start against Chelsea & United then it’s a problem. Swear he said he was gonna use us as a stepping stone lol (@AFCBenji)
Twitter: I’ll panic if Pepe doesn’t start against Chelsea. (@Jaiye3k)
Twitter: @ltarsenal Agree. Also pepe seemed quite fired up yesterday in his brief cameo. Hope he starts against Chelsea. H… https://t.co/MY0Co83qrf (@MAlmoula5)
Twitter: @Arsenal @ReissNelson9 Pepe must start against chelsea
Auba
Martinelli Pepe… https://t.co/UNZuoHP6VV (@SachinC69373677)
Read Arsenal verdict
Pepe has shown glimpses of brilliance in recent months, however, he failed to turn out regularly under both Unai Emery and Freddie Ljungberg.
A start in Arteta’s first home game in charge could be a shrewd move by the Spaniard.
Pepe is yet to perform to the level expected in a ‘big’ game, so if Arteta hands him a start and he excels, it could be the catalyst for a solid second half of the season for both player and manager.
