Pepe was unleashed for first Arsenal start at Liverpool

Arsenal's record signing Nicolas Pepe made his first Premier League start after being named in the team to face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Pepe, 24, joined the Gunners from Lille for £72million earlier this month but had been kept in reserve with coach Unai Emery only affording him a couple of substitute appearances in Arsenal's first two games.

But after catching the eye with some clever touches and flashes of excitement against Burnley, he was let loose by Emery as the Premier League's top two tussle at Anfield.

Arsenal fans were able to see Pepe starting alongside both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, however the Frenchman was benched despite scoring last time out, leaving Aubameyang to lead the line.

The only other change to the side was Granit Xhaka replacing Reiss Nelson, bolstering the midfield.

There were few surprises in the Liverpool starting XI. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – who signed a new long-term contract this week – was left on the bench against his former side.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane led the line along with Roberto Firmino, the scorer of eight goals in as many games against the Gunners.

Arsenal aimed to claim a first Premier League win at Anfield since 2012.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2019-20/first-team/liverpool-v-arsenal-live-matchday-blog

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 24, 2019