Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has praised the resurgence of Nicolas Pepe after the Ivorian scored the opening goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over the Red Devils last night.

The Gunners’ record signing has flattered to deceive during his first six months at the Emirates but Ferdinand feels new head coach Mikel Arteta is getting the best out of him:

“Pepe was a massive signing, he hasn’t produced, but today he looked like a new player.”

It appears Arteta has been getting into Pepe’s head. Following the game, the winger revealed he had a meeting on the morning of the game where the Arsenal manager asked him pointedly whether he was ready to start.

Pepe said he was ready to make an impact, and he duly delivered by scoring the crucial opening goal against United. The Ivorian international had not started either of Arteta’s first two games in charge and he was clearly champing at the bit to show what he could do.

The 24-year-old is not the only player whose performances have improved significantly, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Lucas Torreira and David Luiz also putting in excellent displays under Arteta.