Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has been labelled as ‘Gervinho 2.0’ by some football fans on social media after a clip emerged of a slight blunder from him during today’s 2-2 draw with Southampton.
The 24-year-old was through on goal but decided to cut the ball back towards Mesut Ozil, the ace’s pass was blocked by Southampton’s defender.
Unfortunately, the attacker’s unselfishness has left him open to criticism from fans of some of Arsenal’s rivals on social media. The Ivorian was compared to his fellow countryman Gervinho who had a mixed spell with the Gunners.
As per BBC Sport, the Gunners paid a hefty club-record fee of £72m to bring the forward to the Emirates.
Take a look at the Ivorian’s unfortunate moment below:
£72million for this omg ??????
pic.twitter.com/cdGdvf2WfM— RiZzy? (@RiZzyUTD) November 23, 2019
A player who isn’t lacking confidence would’ve taken a shot at goal here. I feel bad for Pepe man. pic.twitter.com/UAleyM5Gdx
— Arch?? (@ArchLIB_) November 23, 2019
Here’s how some fans reacted to Pepe’s slight blunder:
Gervinho 2.0
— Chuka (@osuagwu_chuka) November 23, 2019
Gervinho 2.0
— Luti (@lutiuseini) November 23, 2019
Remember when Arsenal fans were saying Raul Sanllehi was their saviour ??? man spent 72m on Gervinho 2.0, bought David Luiz, bought an average midfielder and still hasn’t sacked Emery
— AC ?? (@MUFC_Aman7) November 23, 2019
This bum was killing it in ligue 1 too…. Shows how horrible that league must be. And how tough the prem actually is.
— Enigm?? (@ftblEnigma) November 23, 2019
Very horrible play
— sylvester salvatore (@_cheezzie_) November 23, 2019
Arsenal really paid £72 million for Gervinho mk2
— Supreme mate ???????? (@alexiszyn) November 23, 2019
Zero confidence, if he had the slightest bit of it then he would’ve went all the way.
— Ahmed?? (@FuriousRantz16) November 23, 2019
The last point is spot on, it appears that Pepe is lacking confidence right now. What can Unai Emery do to get the best out of Arsenal’s marquee signing?