Gary Lineker backtracks on previous comments about Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe

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Nicolas Pepe has struggled since joining Arsenal from Lille in the summer as the north London club’s record signing but that all changed on Thursday night – and Gary Lineker has backtracked on previous comments about the winger.

Pepe, 24, had previously turned out 11 times for Arsenal and managed only one goal. The Ivory Coast cap has been criticised – especially for his display against Manchester United – mainly down to the expectations surrounding his £72million fee.

But on Thursday night, Arsenal needed a man to take the game by the scruff of the neck and secure a third Europa League group stage win against Portuguese side Guimaraes. Pepe was that man, as he struck two beautiful free-kicks into the net.

It saw Arsenal equalise, and then score late on to make it nine points from nine in Europe. Lineker had claimed that “not much” was “happening” for Pepe and that he needed time. But he replied to his own Tweet, saying he did not need much time.

TBR’s view – Could this be Pepe’s turning point in an Arsenal shirt?

Yes. Robin van Persie and Martin Keown both discussed after the match on BT Sport how a moment of glory is needed in your new club’s shirt to finally make your name. Pepe has just done that, with two stunning free-kicks.

Last season, Pepe scored 23 goals and laid on 12 assists as Lille finished second in Ligue 1. Now, Arsenal fans may finally see the Pepe that took France by storm last term – starting with Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon at The Emirates.