Nicols Pepe admitted he was struggling for confidence, even before last night’s woeful performance against Manchester United.
Much was expected of the Ivory Coast international after Arsenal beat the likes of Napoli to his services and shattered their transfer record by agreeing to pay £72million over the course of his five-year contract.
Pepe has endured a difficult start to his Premier League career, however, scoring just once, a penalty against Aston Villa, from his eight appearances so far.
The left-footed winger conceded possession on 17 occasions at Old Trafford and was taken off with 16 minutes remaining, replaced by youngster Reiss Nelson.
‘[My start] It’s not been easy, we must tell the truth,’ Pepe told RMC ahead of last night’s fixture.
‘I’m not good enough in my stats or my usual form, it’s not the same as in Lille or during the Liverpool match early in the season.
‘The confidence must come back. I am not very worried. People may be worried about statistics, but I’m not.
‘I have to keep working because the level is different, so is the language. It’s a new championship for me. I have to adapt quickly but it will not be long.’
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