Alan Shearer has included Arsenal man Reiss Nelson in his Premier League Team of the Week despite the winger only coming off the bench for the final 22 minutes of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Bournemouth – in which he got the winner.
Nelson, 23, had only been used twice before this season in the Premier League. His brilliant display off the bench in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest, and a very late sub against Wolves. He got two goals against newly-promoted Forest.
On Saturday, Mikel Arteta turned to him for only the third time of the season in the League, and eighth in both league and cup. He duly delivered. Instantly, Nelson took on the defence and clipped a perfect cross for Ben White to score.
But it was in the dying seconds of the match that his biggest contribution occurred. A corner was headed to Nelson, who took a touch and steadied himself before lashing a gorgeous left-footed drive past Bournemouth stopper Neto.
A pivotal win in the race for the Premier League title, made even more so by the fact Bournemouth were 2-0 up. So, Nelson the unlikely hero and Shearer has paid tribute to the winger – who remains out of contract in the summer.
“Talk about an impact sub. Laid on the equaliser for White and then scored the winner. After playing only 90 minutes this season, this might be his most important 22 minutes ever,” Shearer said, including Nelson in his Team of the Week.
Shearer includes Arsenal man Nelson in Premier League Team of the Week
As cameo roles go, Nelson produced one of the best of the season. Every game for Arsenal now is must win, if they are to hold aloft the Premier League trophy come the end of the campaign. Manchester City are finally kicking into gear.
So, a home clash against Aaron Ramsdale’s old side was one they had to take three points from. If going 2-0 down was remarkable, so was Arsenal’s comeback and they have Nelson to thank for that. He may start in Europe on Thursday.
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