Arsenal fans react to Nicolas Pepe’s Carabao Cup performance vs Sunderland
Some Arsenal fans have reacted to the performance of Nicolas Pepe following the club’s 5-1 win over Sunderland in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
The Gunners were overwhelming favourites to beat the Black Cats last night, but they had a mixed first-half performance with the lack of cohesion.
They were only 2-1 ahead at the break, but produced a resounding performance after the interval. Eddie Nketiah was the stand-out performer with his maiden hat-trick.
Pepe was also impressive on the night. The Ivorian bagged the second goal before laying an assist for Nketiah after a lovely nutmeg on Black Cats’ Denver Hume.
Right at the end, he put the ball on the plate for graduate Charlie Patino to score on his senior club debut.
It was a good showing from the 26-year-old, who has been out-of-favour under Mikel Arteta. Following the game, there was a mixed reaction among some fans.
Twitter reactions:
Pepe did most things right in an attacking point of view yesterday, but we can’t take much from his performance as he was lining up against a League One opposition.
There are no doubts over his quality in the box, but the winger has often frustrated fans with his tendency to lose possession in the final third of the pitch.
Yesterday was another such example. He lost possession on 16 occasions. He managed three goal contributions, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Pepe won’t be afforded similar space and time against Premier League opponents. His decision-making must be quicker if he wants to turnaround his Gunners career.
Stats from Sofascore.com
Read: Mikel Arteta provides fresh update on Eddie Nketiah’s future at Arsenal.
