Arsenal fans will love what Nicolas Pepe did after being subbed against Manchester United

Nicolas Pepe after his substitution against Manchester United 

Nicolas Pepe has not had the easiest start to his Arsenal career following a £72million move from Rennes in the summer.

A difficult period under former manager Unai Emery ensured that the Ivory Coast international found appearances and goals a struggle to come by, with pundits and fans alike finding plenty of criticism for the winger.

But the 24-year-old showed his class against Manchester United, putting in a dominant display in the first half.

He notched the Gunners' first goal of 2020, putting the finishing touch to a fine move by Mikel Arteta's side with just eight minutes gone.

A decent display from the attacker ensured that the Gunners went in 2-0 up at the break, but United began to come back into the game in the second half, and Arteta saw fit to make a change just after the hour mark.

Pepe was the number that went up on the board as Reiss Nelson was introduced from the bench, but as the midfielder went to make the long trek across the pitch, he was halted by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Pepe was forced to exit the pitch at his nearest opportunity - and had to endure a long walk around the field back to the dugout.

But the upside for the attacker was the fabulous reception he received from Arsenal fans - and he looked to be milking it for all it was worth following his difficult start to life in North London.