Danny Murphy told Match of the Day that Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe ‘suffered from the pressure of his price tag’ following his brace against Crystal Palace.
The 25-year-old, who was purchased for a club-record fee when Unai Emery was in charge, helped Arsenal record a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.
When Arsenal fans first signed Pepe, they wanted to see the player who was showing his quick-thinking and sharp-shooting skills whilst in France.
But he struggled to settle down, show any real form or cement a regular place in Arsenal’s XI during his first season at the club.
Given that he arrived for big bucks, ex-Premier League midfielder, Murphy, thinks that played a part in his early struggles, but he now thinks the Ivory Coast star is showcasing his ‘talent’ to the world.
“I think he suffered from the pressure of his price tag,” said Murphy. “But he certainly has talent. He’s quick, skilful and direct. Like so many players, he has been up and down with his form.
“But today, he showed those bits of magic we have seen on him on occasions and goals ultimately are what you are judged on as a forward player.
“He looked sharp, hungry, fit and confident. Back to back Premier League games, he scored for the first time and he has 14 goals this season, which isn’t a bad return given they are having a poor season.
“Hopefully, for Arsenal fans, they will see him progress more and next season he has to play more regularly. He has to produce this type of form and keep ahead of the likes of Saka.”
There isn’t much to shout about for Mikel Arteta, who could have been sacked on several occasions by the North London outfit this season.
But one player he has helped improve has been Pepe, who has shone and grown under his stewardship.
The same could be said for the youngsters, but given that Arsenal might not play European football next term, it doesn’t help Arteta’s cause too much.
It does seem as though the ex-midfielder will be in charge at the start of next season, and if that’s the case, then he needs the likes of Pepe showing this type of form from the off.
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