Arsenal boss Unai Emery was disappointed by the missed opportunity

Arsenal boss Unai Emery has urged Nicolas Pepe to improve in front of goal as he continues to struggle after his summer move from Lille. The £72million man had a golden opportunity to give the away side the lead in the first-half from the middle of the box, but failed to hit the target. His Spanish boss has outlined why the chance was so crucial to the result, but he does think that Pepe is improving. “The chance for us, for Pepe, was the key,” he said after Lys Mousset’s goal handed the Gunners a 1-0 defeat.

“Because if they score the first goal, defensively they are a very strong team. “Pepe is improving but the next step for him is to score. “Usually he is going to score chances like that – but tonight he didn’t take his chance.” The 24-year-old has only scored once in his 10 appearances for Arsenal so far this season, with that solitary strike coming from the spot against Aston Villa.

Nicolas Pepe squandered a golden chance to hand Arsenal an early lead

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Emery also discusses why he felt hard done by in their recent loss, and mentioned why he expects Pepe to improve over time. “We had more possession, more chances, more shots and for example, Pepe is improving and I think Pepe’s way with us is little-by-little getting better,” he added. “The next step is to score. “Tonight for example, the best chance is one he is usually going to score but tonight he didn’t take that with efficiency.

Nicolas Pepe is yet to find his feet at Arsenal after joining from Lille