“Digging his team out of dirt”- Fans hail Reiss Nelson as Arsenal makes iconic 3-2 comeback in PL clash against Bournemouth
Super sub Reiss Nelson rescue Arsenal with a wonder strike on the last move of the match
Arsenal won 3-2 against Bournemouth courtesy of a Reiss Nelson winner with the last kick of the game. The substitute changed the colour of the match from the moment he came on with one assist and one goal that blew the roof of the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal completed the comeback in consecutive matches showing their mettle in the title charge. The Gunners went into the first half one goal behind the Cherrys. Early in the second half, Bournemouth increased the lead through a wonderful header from Marco Senesi. Five minutes later Thomas Partey scored one goal to reduce the deficit.
Arsenal had complete control over the ball but the scoreline reflected something completely opposite. Just when things started to look grim for Mikel Arteta, Reiss Nelson was brought on to replace Emile Smith-Rowe. The substitute was effective from the very first minute as he stayed wide and stretched the field. Just a minute later Nelson dug out a deep cross to the second post which was met by Benjamin White’s boot. Although the Bournemouth goalie, Neto thought he had parried it out, the goal-line technology showed that the ball was way in.
With the equaliser, Arteta’s team looked more galvanised and Bournemouth fought off wave after wave of Arsenal attacks for the rest of the time. The point would’ve done them a world of good as they battle against relegation. It looked like the south coastal club will share the roost as the injury time drew to a close and that is when lighting struck. A left-footed thunderbolt from the 23-year-old rattled into the corner of the net sending the players and the fans into a euphoric delirium.
The significance of the win
This win might prove to give Arsenal more than three points. Arteta’s men managed to keep their spot at the top of the league and also announced that even a two-goal lead is not safe. Manchester City also saw off a deflated Newcastle United earlier in the afternoon with a 2-0 scoreline. With Manchester United’s form also hitting a peak, dropping points in this match could’ve opened the title fight up even more.
For Bournemouth, the last-second goal will mean that they missed a golden opportunity to get out of the relegation zone. Bournemouth has the leakiest defence in the league conceding nine goals more than the second-worst record this season. They have conceded 51 goals and are on the way to confirming their status as a “yo-yo club”.
Arsenal Fans Delirious
Arsenal fans around the world couldn’t contain their happiness at the complete turnaround. Arsenal great, Ian White was seen losing his footing as he watched the match while some fans dipped their toe into the creative lake to find a way to describe their happiness. Here are some of the best reactions after the win
Now the question that will worry Arteta is whether they would be able to continue to win matches this way? In case of a single slip, the likes of City and United will be ready to pounce. Arteta has used the same players in the starting eleven since the very start of the season. For today, it is the Gunners who rejoice.
Arpan Ghosh
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