Nicolas Pepe goal: Watch Arsenal star score wonder goal against Brighton

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Matt Davies20 June 2020

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe scored a stunning curled effort into the top corner as Mikel Arteta's side fell to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton.

The Gunners suffered a devastating 3-0 defeat to champions Manchester City as they resumed their Premier League campaign on Friday, but were presented the opportunity to bounce back instantly with a trip to The Amex.

Arsenal's record signing Pepe has largely struggled to adapt to the Premier League following his £72million switch from Lille last summer.

He scored just four goals, alongside six assists, in 24 league appearances prior to the enforced three-month delay due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 25-year-old, who had to settle for a place on the bench against City, was thrust into the action, however, justifying his selection with a stunning effort into the top left corner from the edge of the box, Brighton goalkeeper Matt Ryan with no chance.

The winger received the ball wide to the right of the penalty box, before cutting inwards and curling a spectacular strike into the far corner.

Indeed, with the hefty price tag of £72million this is the kind of form Arsenal fans most certainly expect. However, a goal of such class in his first start back from the break will have done him a world of good.

Arsenal's lead lasted just seven minutes, however with Lewis Dunk equalising for Brighton in the 75th minute, before Neil Maupay secured a 2-1 win for the home team with a stoppage-time winner.

Arteta's side stay two points off eighth-placed Tottenham and there will be plenty of concern for Arteta, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno also suffering a worrying injury.

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