How Arsenal can get the best out of Nicolas Pepe

The misery-streak comes to an end for Arsenal as they registered their first win in ten games against West Ham on Monday, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe. This was the first time this particular front three was employed, and Freddie Ljungberg will have absolutely zero reasons to drop this attacking line up in the upcoming league games.

In the pursuit of a top-four finish, Arsenal will have to hit top gear if they wish to stand any chance of overtaking the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. This was the first time since 2011 that Arsenal came from a goal down to beat the team 3-1 in an away game, and Ljungberg and co have a tough job of building their season on this win, starting with getting the three points against Manchester City, on Sunday.

The trio of Martinelli, Aubameyang and Pépé took their time to adapt, as the Gunners could not create much in the first 45 minutes but showcased their quality in the second half, as the they hit three past the home side in just under ten minutes. Aubameyang has proved that he can score goals in any system but for the likes of Martinelli and Pépé, it would be a tad difficult because they lack experience, which is why Ljungberg need to play to their strengths.

Pepe finally came big for his side as they recorded a crucial league victory, but how can Arsenal get the better out of the Ivorian winger?

---

3. Deploy a counter-attacking strategy

Pace, dribbling and clinical finishing; every defenders' worst nightmares and Pépé's major qualities

Nicolas Pepe is feared for his alarming pace and dribbling, and the best way to play to his strengths is by playing on counters, especially in away games. Of course, Arsène Wenger was known for how good his team were in keeping the ball, however, the current Arsenal squad do not have the personnel to play possession-based football.

At Lille, Pepe bagged 22 goals and 11 assists in a single season in Ligue 1, and the fact that Lille were probably the best counter-attacking team in France tremendously helped the Ivorian's cause because he was able to bomb the huge spaces left behind by opposition fullbacks.

In away games especially against the top six, Ljungberg must replicate the counter-attacking model showcased by the likes of José Mourinho and Nuno Espírito Santo, not only because Pèpè thrives in such a system, but the Gunners have several players who suit to a counter-attacking system.

2. Start Ainsley Maitland-Niles over Héctor Bellerín

An efficient performance against West Ham by Arsenal's academy graduate

Hector Bellerin had done his ACL surgery a few months back after suffering a knee injury last season. Although the Spaniard has successfully recovered, he is still far from being 100% fit and the 23-year-old has been unable to return to his brilliant best.

As the Gunners failed to sign a specialist right back in the summer, they are left with only two options who can play at right-back - Calum Chambers and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Maitland-Niles was a bright spot against West Ham and his link-up play with Nicolas Pepe was top notch, as the Gunners staged a second half comeback to secure all three points. Bellerin is currently not someone who can cope with the intensity in the Premier League, and as things stand, Maitland-Niles should be Ljungberg's first choice right back for the Manchester City game.

1. Using natural wingers on both flanks

West Ham United v Arsenal FC - Premier League

Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery preferred a front three of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe, which meant the Gabonese had to play as a left-winger and not in his preferred position. Aubameyang is too good to be dropped for Lacazette, but playing him out wide increases the burden on the left-back and the right-winger, who have to work twice as hard to create chances.

Therefore, playing someone like Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka would massively help Pépé and in doing so, Arsenal would have specialist players in each of the forward positions, which would consequentially bring the best out of them.

If there is one thing defenders hate, it's pace and the Gunners' devastating front three could terrorize oppositions teams, as they did so in the second half against West Ham in their previous league encounter.