Nicolas Pepe gives Arteta two solutions after Arsenal display vs Sunderland

Arsenal were in fine form as they made light work of Sunderland in the Carabao Cup while Mikel Arteta gave several fringe players with a point to prove an opportunity to do exactly that

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Arteta reflects on two years since becoming Arsenal boss

Nicolas Pepe was given a rare start by Mikel Arteta against Sunderland and the Arsenal outcast has given his manager food for thought.

The Gunners breezed into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a 5-1 win at the Emirates – though the visitors gave them some hairy moments.

But ultimately the quality shone through for Arsenal, while several fringe players were given a chance to shine.

Eddie Nketiah scored a hat-trick to perhaps stamp himself as a regular amid Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s woes.

However, it was the performance of Pepe that would have caught the eye for Arteta – who will see Tuesday night’s victory as a huge plus for his squad going forward this season.

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The Ivory Coast international was constantly a thorn in Sunderland’s side and did not stop running down the flank – even assisting 18-year-old Charlie Patino right at the death to give Arsenal a fairytale ending against Sunderland.

He was also supported by a lung-busting Cedric, also in from the wilderness, who constantly overlapped Pepe that left the Black Cats defenders dizzy.

There has been much talk over what to do with Pepe – who is still Arsenal’s most expensive transfer at £72m.

It is clear that is has not quite worked for the forward under Arteta, despite making his 100th appearance for the club last night.

The former Lille star was a staple of the Gunners side early on, playing every minute of four of the first five Premier League appearances before seeing his status dwindle.

Since a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in mid-October, Pepe has played just 12 minutes of league action – sitting on the bench for eight of the proceeding 10 appearances.

Despite his lack of action, the 26-year-old’s record is not terrible – scoring his 26th goal against Sunderland to mark his centurion match for the north London side.

With Arteta looking to land Arsenal in the top four – a position they have not been in since 2016 – the Spaniard will need all the reinforcements he can get.

Especially with the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham looking like they have sorted out their early season problems while Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea appear to be in a league of their own.

It is no secret that Arteta would like to splash more cash with a striker on the top of his wish list – Dusan Vlahovic and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are reportedly being eyed.

Bringing in either would require some money in the pot – which could be raised by selling some of those that do not figure in Arsenal’s plans.

And while Pepe could be a decent squad option for the Gunners going into the rest of the season, his performance against Sunderland could see suitors turn to the winger.

Either way, Arteta stands to win as he hunts down a Champions League spot in the top-tier.