Interestingly Zaha and Pepe play for the same national team and each had the opportunity to play outside their comfort zones, in a competitive environment, at Afcon just barely a month ago. Zaha operated from the left and Pepe from the right. Only one winner in terms of performance and it wasn't Pepe.
For reasons of bias that some would not admit to, they just don't rate Zaha. Even though Pepe scored lots of goals, a good number from penalty kicks, but we can all agree the premiership is a tougher league and scoring is not that easy. Lacazette scored a lot of goals in France as well.
Afcon might not be the best platform to assess these two, but Zaha was magnificent in that tournament for Ivory coast and his contributions were miles over that of Pepe. As a fan, I only wish the club good luck and hope we're making the right choice in the long run.
Zaha vs Pepe
posted on 28/7/19
What about Henry? He was a cheat.
posted on 28/7/19
comment by Dux (U6467)
posted 6 hours, 35 minutes ago
comment by Gunnerthru (U6675)
posted 42 seconds ago
Pepe was my first choice before the TW even started but never thought we would sign him because half of Europe's big clubs showed interest.
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Like I said. I hope the hype is justified. I actually watched the afcon, particularly looking out for players outside the premier league who had generated interests prior. Like Chukwueze of Villarreal and of course Pepe. He had good performances in patches, don't get me wrong but his final ball was shocking in a lot of instances and his performance just didn't live up to expectations. Maybe one could put these down to butterflies as he's still young. He could well turn out to be a fantastic signing, but on the basis of what he or Zaha churned out at Afcon, the Crystal Palace man trumps.
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The better measure has to be what they achieved with their clubs over a full season than displays in a two week tournament.
Yes there is the argument that Pepe plays in a slightly less competitive league but his goals drove the unfancied Lille to a second place finish behind PSG.
Pepe is more direct, pacier and carry more of a goal threat than Zaha.
posted on 28/7/19
comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 51 seconds ago
What about Henry? He was a cheat.
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Henry’s hand ball incident was not in character.
Zaha is a serial diver.
posted on 28/7/19
It was worse cheating than anything Zaha’s ever done.
posted on 28/7/19
comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 2 hours, 4 minutes ago
What about Henry? He was a cheat.
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So Henry 1 moment of madness is the same as serial cheats like Rooney/Zaha ect?
Henry could have got us a pen every single game if he wanted to he was fouled that much.
posted on 28/7/19
comment by ubad9jagooner .Ramsey : don't get the hyp... (U7978)
posted 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
comment by Ed The King Woodward (U10026)
posted 51 seconds ago
What about Henry? He was a cheat.
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Henry’s hand ball incident was not in character.
Zaha is a serial diver.
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Well said
Henry was probably the classiest footballer ever and didn't need to dive, he just waltzed past several defenders at pace with ease.
posted on 29/7/19
comment by Bats (U18355)
posted 1 day, 3 hours ago
Zaha was obviously our number one target and to play down his footballing abilities is ridiculous.
I’ll give credit to the club for having a very good alternative to him and seemingly getting the deal done relatively quickly
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Why do you think that? Pepe was the no.1 target. Zaha no.2 and Everton Soares no.3. Been saying that for weeks.
posted on 29/7/19
comment by Dux (U6467)
posted 1 day, 3 hours ago
comment by Jenius99 (U4918)
posted 8 minutes ago
Pepe scores and creates an equal amount. That tells you he is a really good footballer and far more suited to our needs. Zaha and Everton are both wide players that are not adept at drifting in to offer a goal threat that is needed for a 3 up front system.
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I have reservations about this. They're both similar in that Zaha plays on the left and drifts inside to shoot with his right leg, whilst Pepe plays on the right but drifts inside to shoot with his left leg. Mirror image. At Afcon, Zaha didn't start the first matches due to fitness issues but made a difference once he got on. Of 2 games where he started, he scored.
There's a two year difference in their ages. Not like Zaha is some kind of dinosaur.
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There is a difference. Aubameyang is getting on. I expect another 2 seasons in him at the top level and then he will be of to China. Pepe can play as a striker. It opens up options for the future. We have exciting prospects Nelson, Saka and Nketiah. That allows them to develop.
Zaha only plays wide and that limits what he can offer.
posted on 29/7/19
I don't understand why so many here are comparing Zaha and Pepe based on performances at ACoN. You have to remember unlike Zaha, Pepe was very cautious and readying himself for his first huge move. Zaha on the other hand has been on top money for years. There was obviously going to be a huge difference in committent to the tournament.
posted on 29/7/19
Looks like it's set to be done anyways. Hope he hits the ground running.