Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe finally scores first goal for new club, and it’s stunning

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Arsenal parted ways with former record signing Nicolas Pepe at the start of the season, with the winger mutually terminating his contract.

Although clearly talented, it never quite worked out at Arsenal for Pepe, despite the 28-year-old having some memorable moments in North London, and the club made a huge loss on a player they signed for £72m four years ago.

With a lack of interest from elsewhere in the player, Pepe moved to Turkish side Trabzonspor following his departure from Arsenal, and has taken some time to settle as he struggled with injury.

However, he is now fit, and eager to prove that he is still capable of performing at a high level, and his performance away at giants Fenerbahce on his first start showcased his natural ability well.

Nicolas Pepe scores in first start since leaving Arsenal

Pepe made his first start for his new club away at Fenerbahce, who came second last season, having made two substitute appearances after recovering from injury.

Trabzonspor dramatically won 3-2, with Pepe playing a huge part as he scored a stunning goal.

An attacking move down the left-hand side saw Pepe enter the box to smash home, with his weak foot still finding the top corner with nearly enough force to break the net.

It was a nice moment for Pepe, who is looking to get his career back on track after a few difficult seasons.

Where did it go wrong for Pepe at Arsenal?

At the end of his second season, Pepe was Arsenal’s top scorer and had finished the campaign in style.

However, a combination of a poor start to the 2021-22 season, as well as the emergence of Bukayo Saka as an option on the right wing, meant he lost his place, and Saka was so good that he became undroppable.

Although both Pepe and Mikel Arteta have admitted that they wanted it to work out, Pepe never fit Arsenal’s possession-based style, favouring a more counter-attacking system, and despite his powerful left foot, he was set up to fail as he never received enough consistent game time to find his best form after being dropped.

Pepe will hope to succeed in Turkey and restore his reputation in European football, having joined Arsenal as one of the most in-demand attackers around after an incredible campaign with Lille.