Graeme Souness hails Nicolas Pepe after goal against Newcastle and compares to Thierry Henry – Daily Mail, Dailymail.co.uk

‘You think of Thierry Henry … he took some time, I see Nicolas Pepe being a star’: Graeme Souness hails Arsenal winger after goal against Newcastle as he believes he will improve after tough first season at the Emirates

• Nicolas Pepe dazzled for Arsenal in their fine 4-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday
• The Ivorian struck the third goal and assisted two other goals during the rout
• After a slow start to life in north London, the 35 – year-old is hitting his stride
• Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness said Pepe can be like Thierry Henry

By Lewis For Mailonline Published:

: EST, 19 February | :

: 50 EST, (February) Graeme Souness has heaped praise on Nicolas Pepe after the (Arsenal) winger put in a dazzling display in the Gunners’ 4-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.

The Ivorian netted once and provide assists for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ‘s opener and Alexandre Lacazette

‘s late strike as Mikel Arteta’s side ran riot at the Emirates Stadium.

after a slow start to life in north

Lon don , Arsenal fans are beginning to see glimpses of the talent the club paid Lille £ million for last summer, and Souness has hailed the winger’s performance this weekend. Graeme Souness has heaped praise on Nicolas Pepe after his role in Arsenal’s win on Sunday

The Ivorian scored one and assisted two goals in a dazzling display for the Mikel Arteta’s side

The Scot drew comparisons between the Pepe and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who also failed to hit the ground running before bursting into life further down the line for Arsenal.

‘I think there is a real, real player in there,’ he said on Sky Sports. ‘You think of their best ever player Thierry [Henry], he came here and did not have a great first season, took some time, and I see Pepe being a star here, great feet, electric and still a baby.’

Meanwhile, former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton also praised Pepe’s fine strike after good work from Bukayo Saka on the wing.

Sky Sports pundit Souness said Pepe can be a star and compared him to Thierry Henry

The Arsenal legend also endured a slow start in north London before bursting into life

‘A good finish, not the easiest of finishes, he got in a really good position but he has to have that level of control on the finish which is good, ‘he said.

Henry enjoyed an incredible eight-year spell at Arsenal under former boss Arsene Wenger, firing goals in 728 appearances for the Gunners, while adding 90 assists.

Pepe is some way off that record, with five goals in 37 games and just four assists, but at years of age, has the potential to be a real asset for Arsenal as Arteta looks to rebuild his squad in the summer.

            

Advertisement