Jamie Redknapp defends under-fire Arsenal star after Crystal Palace draw

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Jamie Redknapp has claimed in his Daily Mail column that under-fire summer signing Nicolas Pepe will finally come good at Arsenal and has urged critics to give the Ivorian a chance to adapt to the Premier League.

Pepe, 24, has come in for criticism since his £72million club-record move to Arsenal from Lille. He scored 23 goals from the wing last season, as well as adding 12 assists. This season, he is yet to meet those dizzy heights.

On Thursday, the Ivory Coast international finally set alight his Arsenal career with two stunning free-kicks to beat Vitoria 3-2 in the Europa League. But he failed to shine against Palace on Sunday, hitting the post with a glorious chance.

Redknapp has urged fans to back Pepe – and Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic – and give him a chance to reach his best, as he continues to adapt to English football following his move from France. He has managed just 13 appearances for The Gunners.

“Yes the Frenchman cost a club record £72m but can we not give him time before branding him a flop or bad buy? To write the 24-year-old off after a few months is ludicrous and downright unfair,” Redknapp said.

“I believe Pepe will come good, and I think Pulisic will, too. You learn a lot about a player’s personality when you speak to him after a match.”

TBR’s view – Pepe has the talent to shine at Arsenal

He needs the time to adapt to English football. French football is slower and more about possession, while Lille utilised the counter attack. It is completely different at The Emirates.

The pace of the football is much quicker in the Premier League, while Pepe had never played in European competition before appearing for Arsenal in the Europa League this season. He has a lot to adapt to.

Arsenal dominate possession, more pace in the Premier League and getting used to European competition and travelling abroad is a lot for £140k-a-week (Spotrac) Pepe, so he needs time to shine.