Martin Keown said on BT Sport 1 (10:09pm, February 18, 2021) that he feels sorry for Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe.
The Arsenal legend made the comments about Pepe following the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Benfica away from home in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 on Thursday evening.
The Ivory Coast international was playing well in recent games after being deployed on the left of the front-three in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, with the Gabon international striker now back in action, the 25-year-old is finding himself on the substitutes’ bench.
Keown said about Pepe on BT Sport 1 (10:09pm, February 18, 2021), as transcribed by The Express: “I feel sorry for him because he did really well for a couple of games. But they lost those games. And he’s searching for the right balance with the ball and without the ball.”
Reclaiming his place
Pepe should be determined to win back his place in the Arsenal starting lineup and must show his quality in training.
When the winger comes on as a substitute in matches, he has to make an immediate impact and make the most of his chances.
According to WhoScored, the 25-year-old winger has scored four goals in eight Premier League starts, and has scored three goals and provided three assists in six Europa League starts for the Gunners so far this season.
Arsenal are aiming to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season, and Pepe will play his role.
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