This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
October 25, 2019, marked a turning point in Nicolas Pepe's Arsenal career, as the 24-year-old forward scored a world-class brace in the Europa League win over Vitoria Guimaraes.
Pepe's timely strikes, including one in stoppage time, helped Arsenal complete a 3-2 comeback and silenced critics who had questioned his £70 million transfer fee from Lille.
Despite his match-winning contribution, Pepe admitted he hasn't been good enough, citing the need to adapt quickly to the Premier League's intensity and his own physical struggles due to a lack of pre-season training.
"As soon as I arrived, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette helped me," Pepe said. "I talked a lot to them. The manager trusts me. Even if I hadn’t been decisive, I had the manager’s trust. It is always important to have the manager’s faith."
Pepe's comments highlighted the importance of his support system, including his family, who have been with him in London to help him cope with the challenges of playing in a new league.
