UEFA have announced the winner of the ‘Player of the week’ award in the Europa League for matchday 3 and the man to take the accolade is an Arsenal player this time. 

The Gunners are still working on finding a way out of the Europa League and securing a return to the Champions League following what is now almost a three-year absence from Europe’s elite club competition.

Arsenal were back in action on Thursday night as they faced Vitoria at the Emirates stadium, hoping to remain ahead of Frankfurt in the group ranking.

Unai Emery’s side conceded twice to Vitoria and the team apeared to be heading for a defeat until the introduction of Nicolas Pepe.

The Ivory Coast international brilliantly scored from a free-kick on two ocassions as the Gunners won 3-2.

That superb pair of goals has seen Pepe win the award of ‘Player of the week’ in the Europa League ahead of the clash with Crystal Palace.

It is an encouraging little piece of accolade for the former Lille forward who has endured a tough start to life in north London.

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