‘People saying he should’ve left’: Ian Wright wowed by Arsenal player after 5-0 Forest win

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Ian Wright hailed Reiss Nelson’s ‘big step’ during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, as he told PL Productions (30/10/22 at 4:00 pm).

The Highbury hero added that ‘people were saying he should have left’ Arsenal by now, but Reiss Nelson proved his worth yesterday by netting a brace and supplying an assist to help his team move back to the top of the Premier League table.

The 22-year-old didn’t start the game, but after 27 minutes, Bukayo Saka was forced off injured and Mikel Arteta introduced Nelson into the action.

Whilst it’s perhaps a slight worry, ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, that Saka was forced injured, his loss is Nelson’s gain given yesterday’s performance.

Both teams went into the break with Gabriel Martinelli’s header being the difference, but that’s when Nelson turned it up, and within five minutes of the restart, he had two goals to his name.

Last season, Nelson was out on loan at Dutch side Feyenoord and Wright suggested how there were calls for him to leave again, but he is pleased that he stayed put to take his ‘big step’ forward.

“Delighted for him,” said Wright. “It’s a credit to him and the work he has put in. He has been there for a long time. People saying he should have left by now or gone on loan.

“But he stayed. Mikel’s given everyone an opportunity if you are impressing and working hard, then you will get a chance and he has done that.

“He’s been re-paid for his hard work and I am pleased for him because he’s Arsenal through and through. Desperate to play for Arsenal. Desperate to get himself into the first team. This is a big step towards that.”

CAN NELSON CEMENT HIS PLACE?

This is where Nelson now needs to motor forward and try to cement his place in the XI, or at the very least, provide Mikel Arteta with a headache.

The games will continue to roll in for the north London club, starting with a Europa League clash against FC Zurich on Thursday, before they face off against Chelse on Sunday.

Given Saka’s injury, it might be the case that Nelson starts both matches and that’s where he needs to start to do his talking, like Gabriel Martinelli has been doing this season, and try to keep his place in the XI.