Arsenal saw Nicolas Pepe score for the Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Arsenal summer signing Nicolas Pepe has come in for much criticism this season, but he received a major confidence boost on Sunday.
Pepe, 24, joined Arsenal in a huge £72m move from Lille this past summer (BBC), and fans were expecting big things from the winger after smashing 23 goals and 12 assists last season.
The Ivorian has taken a little while to get going though, serving up some pretty anonymous displays alongside some flashes of brilliance.
Pepe grabbed an assist in the win over Bournemouth before the international break, when he headed off with the Ivory Coast for a friendly against DR Congo.
Played at the home of French side Amiens, the game was won by the Ivory Coast, with Wilfried Kanon, Pepe and Wilfried Zaha all on the scoresheet.
Pepe flicked home a backheel from close range after great work down the left from Zaha, and that left Arsenal fans impressed.
Some merely hoped that the goal gives Pepe some confidence ahead of the trip to Sheffield United, but others had another signing in mind.
A number of fans called for Arsenal to sign Gunners-mad Zaha – as quoted by The Sun – and pair him back up with Pepe, believing the pair will be unstoppable together as shown on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
