Reiss Nelson came off the bench to score a brace and lay on an assist as Arsenal cruised past Nottingham Forest on Sunday – and both Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho and Leicester star James Maddison have applauded the winger.
The Gunners got back to winning ways after a draw against Southampton last weekend, and then a 2-0 loss to PSV. They looked much more like themselves, while Forest looked hapless defensively. Gabriel Martinelli got the first goal.
A neat header, from a Bukayo Saka cross. Nelson made it 2-0, after replacing Saka – who picked up an injury. His first shot was saved, but he nestled the rebound in the top corner. Moments later, Nelson scored his second of the game.
A little near-post flick from a Gabriel Jesus cross. Then, after a neat couple of step-overs, he laid the ball back to Thomas Partey – the perfect weight on the ball. It allowed the Ghanaian midfielder to curl an effort into the top corner.
Martin Odegaard made it 5-0. A superb display from the Gunners, but a surprising one from Nelson. He will have been expecting to warm the bench once again – but he certainly took advantage of his opportunity. He posted on Instagram.
Sancho and Maddison have applauded Arsenal winger Nelson
Given Arsenal had struggled in their past two outings, and Forest were fresh from a shock 1-0 win over Liverpool, there might have been some pre-match nerves among fans. But that early goal through Gabriel Martinelli changed that.
It was the perfect game to bring Nelson on. While Arsenal, and England fans will be sweating over the fitness of Saka, it was ideal for Nelson to come on and make an impression. He certainly did, with his three goal involvements.
He surely starts on Thursday night for Arsenal when the Gunners play their final Europa League group games against Zurich. Following his goals, Sancho and Maddison were among those to heap praise on Nelson.
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