Premier League 2019-20: 5 talking points from Arsenal's 3-2 win over Aston Villa

#2 Nicolas Pepe's first goal

Arsenal FC v Aston Villa - Premier League

Nicolas Pepe has come under much criticism since the start of the Premier League season. The fact that he hadn't scored a goal before today was the source of many rival fans' joy.

The Ivorian arrived in London with much acclaim to his name, having scored 23 goals last season. The 24-year-old’s price heaped even more pressure on his shoulders, and life in the Premier League seemed tough for him.

But Pepe's bright performances against the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur gave Arsenal fans hope, and today’s goal reinforced his value.

At Lille, Pepe was the club’s penalty taker and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang afforded him the opportunity to take one here. Seemingly without a single nerve in his body, Pepe drilled the ball down the middle, waiting for Tom Heaton to move first.

Arsenal fans will be hoping this will be the first of many for the 24-year-old.