Late Pepe free-kicks save Arsenal

Nicolas Pepe’s two free-kicks salvaged a win for Arsenal over Vitoria

Two stunning late free-kicks from Nicolas Pepe sealed a dramatic 3-2 win for Arsenal over Vitoria in the Europa League.

Unai Emery’s side struggled for long periods of the game and fell behind early when former Tottenham youth player Marcus Edwards scored inside eight minutes.

Gabriel Martinelli (31) equalised with his third Europa League goal of the campaign but Arsenal were behind again four minutes later as Bruno Duarte (35) fired home for the visitors.

With Arsenal on the verge of a second defeat in four days, Emery used his last change to bring on Pepe and it turned out to be a masterstroke as the Ivorian scored two sensational free-kicks in the 80th and 91st minute to snatch a victory.

The win maintains Arsenal’s perfect start to the Europa League campaign as they remain three points clear at the top of Group F and while Vitoria came agonisingly close to registering their first point, they go back to Portugal empty-handed.

More to follow…

Soccer Saturday Super 6

FREE TO PLAY: Do not miss your chance to land the £250,000 jackpot for the fifth time this year!