Arsenal Winger Nicolas Pepe Redeems Himself to Fans
By: Absalom Mulama
Posted on Friday, November 27, 2020
Arsenal last night won (3-0) versus Molde FC and maintained their perfect record of 4 out of 4 wins in Europa League’s group B. Arsenal’s club record signing Nikolas Pepe redeemed himself by scoring one goal and putting up an impressive performance throughout the game.
The Ivorian winger appeared to be actively apologising to the Arsenal manager and fans for the needless red card he picked up in their last Premier League match.
Pepe was red carded versus Leeds united for violent conduct as he head-butted Ezgjan Alioski. This was his first red cars in his career and it had Arsenal fans surprised. The otherwise cool headed winger acted out of his character in that game and had his team play majority of the second half less one man.
The match ended on a goalless draw and most fans made Pepe the scape goat besides there being other glaring shortfalls in their squad.
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta said in a post-match conference that he is delighted with Pepe’s response. “I’m really pleased, [with Pepe’s performance], I could see in his body language from the first minute that he was ready to perform.”
Apart from the goal, Pepe had 6 shots and more passes than any other Arsenal player in Molde’s half. He was also involved in defending as he industriously backtracked to help Cedric Soares down the right side.
Arteta acknowledged that he doesn’t doubt Pepe’s skill but would like to see more consistency from him “We all know his level, the question is how often he can get to it,” he said. “Today’s example is the level that he needs to hit and maintain.”
Arsenal are now through to of the Europa League knockout stage. They join Germany’s Hoffenheim, Italy’s Roma and fellow English team Leicester City in the round of 32.
As they go back to the Premier League matches this weekend, Arsenal face Wolves in a must win game for the Gunners. Their record signing however will not feature as he will be serving the first of his 3-game ban following the red card.
