Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Manchester United last Monday evening earned a lot of criticisms and praises. Irish football pundit Roy Keane hit out at Nicolas Pepe following his play at the Gunners' most recent match. The 24 years old French winger made headlines last summer when he inked a £72 million deal with Arsenal from Lille.
So far, Nicolas Pepe has to prove his salt with the Gunners. Unai Emery gave him another chance to impress right from the start at the Old Trafford. However, he was pulled out from the field with 16 minutes remaining because he was struggling to create an impact. Roy Keane said he was not impressed with the start, the 24 years old winger has shown at Arsenal.
The Irish football pundit shared that he was disappointed with Nicolas Pepe since he arrived at the club. Keane also noted Bukayo Saka's performance last Monday night and could not help but compare it with that of Nicolas Pepe's. With the amount of money the Gunners offered to Pepe and Saka, Pepe needs to do a whole lot more, the Irish pundit said.
He also criticized Nicolas Pepe's lack of quality, poor body language, work rate, and end product. He looked like he was not up for that game, Keane noted. Meanwhile, the 18 years old Arsenal midfielder, Bukayo Saka, set the record last Monday when he became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League fixture. The Gunners academy graduate had a meaningful night to remember at Manchester United's Old Trafford, Pepe has one to bury.
Nicolas Pépé lost possession more times (17) than any other Arsenal player during his time on the pitch vs. Man Utd. A night to forget at Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/ANzKF2qCjp — Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 30, 2019
When asked to identify which player cost Arsenal that much and which one cost nothing, one would probably have gotten it the wrong way based on Monday night's performance, talkSPORT reported. Nicolas Pepe was marked out of the game by Tuanzebe, and his stats were really disheartening. The Ivorian gave the ball away 17 times before he was pulled out on the 74th minute.
Bukayo Saka's contribution tonight, becoming the youngest starter in a PL game between @Arsenal & Man Utd 48 touches Completed 20/23 passes 19 duels, won 10 5 tackles (most for team) 4 dribbles 2 shots, 1 on target 2 chances created, assist for Aubameyang's goal pic.twitter.com/5lk1ssYfEw — Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) September 30, 2019
But many have also come to the aid of Nicolas Pepe claiming that he needs time to adapt with the Gunners. However, Bukayo Saka is not actually overflowing with experience in the Premier League, and neither is Mason Mount, but these players did not cost Arsenal £60million. Nicolas Pepe, with that amount of deal, should at the very least show glimpses of quality, according to Gary Neville in his commentary.
