What Nicolas Pepe did after scoring for Villarreal against Arsenal speaks volumes

Nicolas Pepe scored against Arsenal on his return to Emirates Stadium while playing for Villarreal.

The 30-year-old started for the La Liga side against the Gunners in the pre-season friendly in north London on Wednesday evening. It took him just 16 minutes to make an impact as he blasted the ball past David Raya from close range.

Pepe, who joined Arsenalin 2019 for a record-breaking £72million when Unai Emery was managing the club, did not celebrate the goal and instead held his arms above his head to show the crowd his intentions. In fact, supporters around the stadium then showed their appreciation for the Ivory Coast man as they applauded when his name was read out by the in-stadium announcer.

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Despite high expectations following his move from Lille, Pepe struggled to perform at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 10 goals in 29 Premier League appearances in the 2020/21 season and a total of 16 goals in 80 league games.

Bukayo Saka's rise to prominence saw Pepe's Arsenal career take a backseat, leading to a loan spell at Nice in the 2022/23 season before his departure on a free transfer in September 2023, despite having a year left on his contract. After a season in Turkey, Pepe moved to Villarreal as a free agent.

The winger featured 28 times last season for Villarreal, scoring three goals and assisting six more.

After Pepe's opener against Arsenal on Wednesday, Karl Etta Eyong doubled the away side's lead before Christian Norgaard pulled one back for Arsenal.