Liverpool vs Arsenal: Nicolas Pepe offers some form of comfort to Gunners in disappointing Anfield defeat

Compared to his teammates, Pepe was a genuine source of trouble for the hosts during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat

For those travelling fans who had made the long journey up to Anfield, there was little consolation to be drawn from Saturday’s 3-1 defeat. It was a match that reaffirmed the gulf in quality that separates Liverpool and this Arsenal side – one that remains very much a work in progress, despite the encouraging business of the summer.

From the off, it was clear that Saturday evening’s fixture – played out beneath a blue, sun-kissed sky – was going to follow in the same fashion to Arsenal’s last three visits to the red half of Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s men dominated possession, patiently poking and prodding their opponents, who, under Unai Emery’s tactics, seemed more than content to invite the pressure.

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, in particular, were relentless. Afforded the time and space to do so, the pair littered Arsenal’s box with cross after cross in search of the opener. That it took 40 minutes to come – a Joel Matip header – is a testament to the ultra-defensive approach adopted by the visitors. But against one of the most prolific front lines in Europe, it was always going to be a matter of time. After that, there was no looking back, with Mohamed Salah’s double, coming in the space of nine minutes after the break, confirming the inevitable.

Following victories against Newcastle and Burnley, defeat on Saturday was a reminder of the work that still needs to be done, highlighting the flaws that have haunted Arsenal for seasons now. A weak and disjointed defence, the absence of authority in the midfield, and the lack of identity to a team which is still unsure of what it wants to be.

But in spite of the general shoulder shrug that was Saturday’s performance, there was something positive to take back to the Emirates. Making his full debut in an Arsenal shirt, Nicolas Pepe offered glimpses of his £72 million potential as he set to work delivering a spirited and determined display that, at times, unpicked Liverpool’s defence.

The signs were there from the very beginning. After five minutes of play, the winger caught the eye after successfully dribbling past Virgil van Dijk. A minor detail, perhaps, but one that is made all the more impressive given that the Dutch defender had not been beaten in a one-on-one situation in his last 50 Premier League situations.

Later on, he was seen embarrassing another Liverpool rock as he spun away from an eager Robertson to leave the Scottish full-back scrambling to recover his position. In total, seven out of 10 dribbles were completed by Pepe throughout the match – more than any other player has managed in a Premier League to date.

Pepe caused Liverpool trouble at Anfield (Getty) (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Early days, of course, but some relief from the underwhelming and lacklustre football rolled out by many of his teammates at Anfield.

And had it not been for his finishing, Saturday’s fixture could have played out in a very different fashion. With the score poised at 0-0 on the 30 minute mark, Pepe had the Anfield faithful holding their breath as he curled one inches wide of Adrian’s right-hand post.

It was a fine strike that capped off a quick Arsenal counter-attack, kicked into life by Joe Willock’s speed down the left flank, and was one of those rare moments of the match in which the visitors looked genuinely threatening.

Pepe was at it again moments later, his pace and quick feet getting the better of Robertson and Jordan Henderson as he broke through on goal in another Arsenal counter-attack. The shot that followed was tame to say the least but, once again, the 24-year-old had demonstrated his ability to get in behind one of the league’s sturdiest defences. Compared to his teammates, Pepe was a genuine source of trouble and, with increased game time and exposure to the Premier League, it won’t be long before he reaches the next level for Arsenal.

Of course, this isn’t to get too carried away by the potential of one player. For all the excitement that Pepe will undoubtedly generate in the weeks and months ahead, there’s only so far Arsenal will go without addressing those issues that rest behind the Ivorian. Until those problems are fixed, you fear the winger will always be fighting a losing battle.