Arsenal boss Emery praises record signing but evades Ozil questions

Following Arsenal's 3-2 win over Vitoria in the Europa League, Arsenal manager Unai Emery was full of praise for record signing Nicolas Pepe who scored a brace from two freekicks which gave Arsenal the win.

Pepe has started his Arsenal career rather slowly, scoring just once in the Premier League so far but Emery has no doubts that the Ivorian will come through. Reflecting on his performance, Emery said:

“Every player, usually, they need time to adapt. Pepe is a very good player and we believe in him, totally. The way he’s going, sometimes he feels better, sometimes it’s with more difficulty on the pitch.

“It depends on the opponent. He’s improving and tonight those two goals are really important for us first, and then secondly for him. He’s continuing the adaptation in his process and as soon as he can adapt, that’s better for us.”

Emery's long-standing conflict with star player Mesut Ozil was again brought into the limelight as the German failed to make the squad for the game yet again. Speaking on the matter, Emery said 

‘Tonight is not the day to speak about that. He’s not in the squad. That is the decision tonight. Now we are going to work towards Sunday." 

Arsenal next play Crystal Palace in the Premier League.