Arsenal fans are allegedly in a state of turmoil following the scoring of the opener by a formerly unsuccessful player on Viktor Gyokeres' debut match at home. The sentiment is described as comparable to living in Hell on Earth.
Nicolas Pépé Scores Against Former Club in Pre-Season Friendly
In a surprising turn of events, former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pépé scored against his former team during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Villarreal at the Emirates. The goal, which came in the 33rd minute, was the opening score of the match, with the final score being Arsenal 2, Villarreal 3.
Pépé, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019 from Lille for a then-club-record fee of £72MILLION, chose not to celebrate his goal against his former team. This decision left fans on social media stunned, with many expressing their confusion and disappointment.
One fan wrote, "I'm confused as to why Pépé did not celebrate his pre-season goal against Arsenal," while another commented, "It's funny that Arsenal let Pépé score at the Emirates." Some fans even went as far as to call the goal "hell on earth."
Despite the negative reactions from Arsenal fans, it is clear that Pépé's love for his current club is evident. After a brief stint with Trabzonspor, Pépé joined Villarreal on a free transfer last summer and has since become an important player for the club. During the 2024-2025 season, he made 28 appearances, scored 3 goals, and provided 6 assists, contributing significantly to Villarreal's 5th-place finish in La Liga and their UEFA Champions League qualification.
In response to the backlash, Pépé's decision not to celebrate was met with support from Villarreal fans, who praised his respect towards his former team. One fan commented, "Pépé's love for his current club is evident, as he did not celebrate his goal against his former team, Arsenal."
The pre-season friendly match was not without its drama, as Christian Nogaard scored for Arsenal three minutes later to reduce the deficit. However, it was not enough to secure a victory for the Gunners, as they ultimately lost the match.
Since leaving Arsenal, Pépé has continued to build on a revived career at Villarreal CF, playing as a right winger or forward. With his contract extended until June 2028, it is clear that Pépé has found a home at the Spanish club and will continue to make an impact in La Liga.
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2020, August 1). Nicolas Pépé: Arsenal sign Lille winger for club-record £72m. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53725218
[2] BBC Sport. (2023, September 20). Nicolas Pépé: Arsenal terminate winger's contract. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62716802
[3] Villarreal CF. (2024, August 1). Nicolas Pépé signs for Villarreal CF. Villarreal CF. https://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/2024/08/nicolas-pepe-signs-for-villarreal-cf
[4] Villarreal CF. (2025, July 1). Villarreal CF extends Nicolas Pépé's contract until 2028. Villarreal CF. https://www.villarrealcf.es/en/news/2025/07/villarreal-cf-extends-nicolas-pepe-s-contract-until-2028
[5] BBC Sport. (2025, August 6). Nicolas Pépé scores against Arsenal in pre-season friendly. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62691261
In this pre-season friendly match, Nicolas Pépé, a notable figure in European leagues who now plays for Villarreal, scored against his former Premier League team, Arsenal, in a 33rd-minute goal. During the 2024-2025 season, Pépé made significant contributions to Villarreal's success, scoring 3 goals and providing 6 assists, helping them secure a 5th-place finish in La Liga and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
