Arsenal moved away from Wilfried Zaha to pursue Nicolas Pepe while many felt that the move would be a disaster. For a long time it seemed to be until the super-sub performance of Nicolas Pepe.
While Arsenal ostensibly looked upon Wilfried Zaha for a long time this summer, they eventually had to settle for Nicolas Pepe. Was it for good or was it a settlement? The game against Crystal Palace and Arsenal will prove to be the testimony.
But before the game, let me help you with what I make my living. A few facts and stats that will help you analyse who between the two is better, at least on paper.
Wilfried Zaha
Unarguably, one of the most skilled winger in the Premier League but the price he was asking of £80 million was way too high to ignore Nicolas Pepe. There may be talks about his abilities but the truth is that Zaha is only as good with his legs when not trying to score.
The former United man may be well to cut-in and wriggle past the defenders but his fame ends then and there. After that, he will either falter or give away a goal-scoring chance. The winger is neither good in holding the ball nor is he good with crosses.
With all the inabilities and weaknesses, Zaha is still a threat running through the wing. And in his days, he is unstoppable. Moreover, the defence of Arsenal is still to kick and if Zaha decodes the achilles heel of Arsenal, he will be unstoppable.
Nicolas Pepe
The £72 million Lille man has finally hit the ground running with two wonderfully curled free-kicks in the corners; both bottom and top. For those who doubt his calibre, kindly browse on Youtube and give yourself a treat.
The French winger has proved one and all why Arsenal invested in him and the match against Crystal Palace will give him a reason to announce himself over Wilfried Zaha. The winger as we all know has a knack to score goals along with a brilliant knowhow on his players.
Nicolas is far more productive than Zaha; a great dribbler and extremely explosive, he has all the tools you would want in a modern-day wide attacker. All these will only come true if he successfully adapts the way he did in Europa League fixture.
