Pepe improving and watch out Spurs: Three things we learned from draw against United

Nicolas Pepe

Pepe improving and watch out Spurs: Three things we learned from draw against United

Saturday's goalless draw at the Emirates was not one to rank among the classic matches Arsenal and Manchester United have played out in the Premier League.

But as stalemates go, it wasn't the worst. Both sides had chances – Alexandre Lacazette hitting the bar with a brilliant free-kick and Edinson Cavani twice coming close for the visitors – and it could easily have gone either way.

For Arsenal, it was the latest in a string of solid displays as the post-Christmas improvement continues – here are three things we learned from Saturday…

Pepe picking up the pace

Few players attracted as much criticism as Nicolas Pepe during Arsenal's poor run earlier in the season.

A combination of his £72m price tag, lack of end product and ill discipline made him an easy target and there were questions as to whether Gooners would ever see the best of him.

But the Ivorian, to his credit, has picked up his performances of late and arguably looked Arsenal's biggest threat against United.

He caused plenty of problems for the in-form Luke Shaw and looks to have found a confidence which has been sadly lacking for the majority of his time in North London.

With Bukayo Saka missing on Saturday and further updates on his knock awaited, now is the perfect time for Pepe to show why Arsenal invested so heavily in him – and more performances like Saturday's will begin to do just that.

Lack of spark increases Odegaard intrigue

For all that it was another decent performance, Arsenal lacked a certain spark in the final third and mustered just three shots on target.

New signing Martin Odegaard appeared for the final seven minutes and had little impact but it will take a couple of games for the Real Madrid wonderkid to find his feet in the Premier League.

If he does so, he will undoubtedly prove a valuable asset in a Gunners side still searching for regular sources of creativity despite the best efforts of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Tuesday's clash at Wolves may come too soon for the Norwegian to be handed a start but if he can find an understanding with the likes of Smith Rowe, Arsenal should at least begin to start creating a higher number of clear-cut opportunities.

Capital top dog status up for grabs

Even in this relatively unpredictable Premier League season, you'd have got long odds on West Ham being the highest-placed London-based side as the calendar flipped into February.

But while the combined struggles of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham mean it's the Hammers who currently have the bragging rights, there is no reason Mikel Arteta's side cannot leapfrog their capital rivals between now and the end of the season.

Chelsea and Spurs have both been talked about as title challengers at various points to date – Arsenal, who were flirting with the relegation zone until Christmas, are now just two points behind both.

Thomas Tuchel may inject some momentum into the side from Stamford Bridge but Mourinho's men appear to be treading water – could a first St Totteringham's Day since 2015/16 be on the cards?

Photo credit: Getty Images

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