Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang took a "very big decision" to let Nicolas Pepe take over penalty duties for Arsenal against Aston Villa - and Unai Emery is delighted it paid off.
Pepe has shown promise since his £72million summer arrival from Lille, but was still goalless as Arsenal headed into Sunday's Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium.
With Arsenal a goal and a man down with an hour to play, Matteo Guendouzi won a penalty - and Aubameyang decided to hand over the responsibility to 24-year-old Pepe.
The Ivory Coast international was Lille's designated penalty taker last season and found the net nine times from the spot last term, and stepped up to get off the mark for Arsenal with a well-taken finish.
While Wesley almost immediately put Villa back in front, the Gunners went on to secure a scintillating comeback win.
Calum Chambers equalised in the 81st minute and three minutes later, Aubameyang netted a set-piece of his own with a sweetly-struck free-kick to secure all three points.
Afterwards the game, Emery revealed it was Aubameyang's decision to let his team-mate take the spot kick - a decision all the more remarkable considering the Gabon star had already scored five Premier League goals this season to add to his 2018-19 Golden Boot-winning campaign.
"Yes, it's Aubameyang who is responsible for penalties," Emery said. "Also Lacazette, and today for me is a very big decision from Aubameyang to let Pepe shoot to give him confidence and the possibility to score.
"Really, the responsibility is Aubameyang and I was happy when I saw that decision from Aubameyang.
"He is hungry every day to score, to achieve, individual and collective objectives. Today that decision shows a really great player."
