Nicholas Pepe was at the heart of a lot of criticism following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Monday.
Critics slated the £72m summer signing for his lack of impact against a top opposition. Pepe has so far registered only 1 goal and 1 assist in 8 appearances this season after building up a huge reputation last term with LOSC Lille.
When questioned about his attacking display, Pepe replied, “My start at Arsenal? It has not been easy, I have to tell the truth. My stats have not been good enough or my usual performances, it is not the same as in Lille or at the Liverpool game at the beginning of the season.
“I need to build confidence again. I’m not very worried, people may be worried about the statistics but I’m not worried. I have to keep working because the level is different, so is the language, it’s a new league for me, I have to adapt quickly but it will not be long.”
Now, to put things into perspective – Pepe has been nowhere close to being as poor as people has written him off to be. The 24-year-old is leading the team charts in key chances created (11) and also dribbles completed.
He is adapting to the demands of English football but not once has he looked weak or lacking of any effort. If anything, his ability to hold onto possession and pull in defenders towards him has handed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang more free space centrally.
Arsenal are still in a transitional phase, learning to play football in an efficient manner under Unai Emery. Doubts remain on whether the Spaniard will be able to accomplish that but the blame cannot be shifted on his players every game week. The fact that Pepe has admitted to being poor just shows how much motivated he is to succeed at North London.
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