‘Untenable’: Media blown away by £140,000-a-week Arsenal ace’s display for his country last night

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Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe delivered a superb display for Ivory Coast against France last night.

The Gunners ace opened the scoring for his nation at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.

On 19 minutes, Pepe burst into the area and fired a low cross-shot from the near post that beat Hugo Lloris.

However, Olivier Giroud equalised for the hosts just three minutes later.

The former Arsenal striker headed home from Theo Hernandez’s delivery.

Ivory Coast were closing in on a draw, only for Aurelien Tchouameni to score a late winner for France.

Despite losing, the visitors can be happy with their display, and Pepe in particular played very well.

Footmercato gave the Arsenal man the highest rating for an Ivory Coast player, 7.5 out of 10.

“The Gunner was untenable at the Velodrome this Friday,” they wrote.

“After a nice deflection from Haller, he badly adjusted his pass for Kessie (7th).

“Then, after having fixed L. Hernandez well, he rolled up on the ground but in the arms of Lloris (10th) before again putting the Bayern defender in difficulty and beating Lloris at the near post (19th).

“Stirring, he was the first offensive danger of his team.”

Meanwhile, First Sportz gave the £140,000-a-week ace 7 out of 10.

Pepe scored the opening goal of the match in the 19th minute,” they wrote. “His passing and long balls were good as well.”

The Arsenal ace has struggled for game time this season, largely having to make do with appearances off the bench.

However, Pepe’s display against France was impressive and will surely give Mikel Arteta food for thought.