Tony Adams said on Stadium Astro that Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe proved him wrong against Leicester City.
Pepe had one of his best games for Arsenal this season, as Mikel Arteta’s side got the better of Leicester 3-1 away from home at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Ivory Coast international winger, who scored in the second half, was so good on Sunday afternoon that Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers had to take off left-back Luke Thomas.
According to WhoScored, the 25-year-old took three shots, had a pass accuracy of 74.4%, won two headers, took 72 touches, made one interception, and put in three crosses.
Arsenal legend Adams has said that he did question why the Gunners signed Pepe back in the summer of 2019, but the winger is proving him wrong.
Adams said about Pepe on Stadium Astro: “I have been critical. Why did we need this player in the first place? Massive price-tag. £72 million and Saka, when we have got good kids coming through.
“But hopefully he has put my criticism to bed, you know. He has put a performance in, and that’s what he needs to give himself a little bit of spark.
“The longer it goes in the Europa League, he is going to get more opportunities to play, gain that confidence and, who knows, next season he could be an exceptional player for us.”
Getting better
Pepe has been playing well in the last few games and is starting to be more consistent.
No one can doubt the winger, but the problem with him has been that he has not always been consistent.
According to WhoScored, Pepe has scored five goals in 10 Premier League starts, and has scored three goals and provided three assists in six Europa League games for the Gunners so far this season.
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