Nicolas Pepe has just two words on Arsenal and the Emirates after being booed by supporters

Add as preferred source on Google

Nicolas Pepe had the last laugh at the Emirates after his Villarreal side ran out 3-2 winners against Arsenal on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old opened the scoring against his former employers despite being the recipient of a hostile reception in North London, with former Bournemouth and Everton forward Arnaut Danjuma scoring the eventual winner.

There were still plenty of positives for Mikel Arteta to take away from the encounter. Exciting prospect Max Dowman showcased his incredible potential as he continues to consistently catch the eye throughout pre-season.

Nevertheless, Pepe rose above the boos to showcase his talents at his former home, and he has shown the Arsenal supporters just how he feels after making his return.

Nicolas Pepe sends a heartwarming message to Arsenal supporters

Pepe arrived at the Emirates in a blockbuster £72 million deal from Ligue 1 outfit Lille in 2019 with huge expectations on his shoulders.

Ultimately, the move didn’t pan out as hoped for the club or player, and after an unsuccessful loan spell with Nice, the forward was allowed to walk away on a free transfer to Trabzonspor.

Although he failed to reach the heights promised at the Emirates, it is never a welcome sight to see a former player receive a flurry of boos from supporters who once called him their own – however, Pepe has risen above the criticism to show his class via Instagram.

In a post following the clash, he wrote “Back home” as Arsenal supporters poured tributes to the forward, a far cry from the response that the Ivory Coast international received at the Emirates.

Indeed, Pepe is Arsenal’s second-most expensive signing, and his lack of impact during his spell in North London will leave a sour taste for some, but it’s clear the majority of the fanbase are willing to let bygones be bygones and show love for their former winger.

Should Mikel Arteta be worried after Arsenal loss?

Christian Norgaard shone in his 45-minute cameo, pulling a goal back for the Gunners three minutes after Karl Etta Eyong doubled the lead for the visitors.

However, blockbuster summer signing Viktor Gyokeres struggled to get into the game at the Emirates, and fellow newcomer Noni Madueke didn’t fare much better when he was introduced in the second half.

Arsenal supporters have been crying out for a new-look offensive line for years, and now that the pieces are beginning to fall into place, they must be patient while the new signings settle into life in North London.

It is a feeling Pepe knows all too well; he recorded a respectable return of five goals and six assists in 31 Premier League appearances during his maiden campaign with the Gunners, but nowhere near the level of output expected considering the outlay for his signature.

Gabriel Martinelli has been linked with Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia throughout the transfer window, but now appears set to stay and compete for a starting berth in Arteta’s side.

The increased competition in attack will only prove to benefit Arsenal as they prepare for a Premier League title charge this season. However, he will need the new additions to hit the ground running before the inevitable pressure begins to rise.