The 22-year-old scored twice and set up another in Arsenal's 5-0 rout of Forest after replacing the injured Saka in the first half.
“He was in a group where he was a standout player with the under-17s. Earlier this season, Arteta said that Nelson “100 per cent” has a chance to earn a new deal in north London. Asked to expand upon how Nelson has changed, Arteta said: “How mature he is, how focused he is in his profession. “He is a joy of a kid. What he has done today for the team is something he really merits.” Nelson took his chance in style, finishing the game with two goals and an assist to his name. “He’s showing every day how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity, and he did extremely well because it helped us win the game.” In the summer, speculation was rife that Nelson could well leave the club permanently. Until now, starring in a five-goal romp at the Emirates Stadium was the kind of thing Nelson has only experienced in his dreams — or perhaps while sat in front of his gaming console. “When I went to warm up, I was thinking, ‘I’m just going to warm up and then maybe come back down again’,” he told the club’s official website. Even when the player’s development has stalled, Arteta has been steadfast in his belief that Nelson has something to offer Arsenal. Nelson’s leading role will have come as a surprise to many — but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been waiting for a performance like this from Nelson for some time.
The 22-year-old had not featured in a Premier League game since the opening day of last season but replaced the injured Bukayo Saka and led the way as the ...
"I've been on loan, and sometimes you feel like it's not going to come. But like I said, I'm just really happy, and just overwhelmed by the occasion." "I think the first one - Gabi (Jesus) saw me in the box and I knew I could get there, so I had to get there.
The 22-year-old had not featured in a Premier League game since the opening day of last season before scoring twice in three second-half minutes on Sunday.
I just wish it wasn’t today,” Cooper said after the game. But like I said, I’m just really happy, and just overwhelmed by the occasion.” [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) Ready for the opportunity to come. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. “I think the first one - Gabi (Jesus) saw me in the box and I knew I could get there, so I had to get there. “It was amazing - like I was playing Fifa a bit, you know,” Nelson said of his performance. [Premier League](/topic/premier-league) game since the opening day of last season but replaced the. So I was really delighted. “It is nice to see him doing well. So I’ve just been patient and ready for that. “I’ve been on loan, and sometimes you feel like it’s not going to come.
Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has likened his match-winning performance against Nottingham Forest to playing FIFA.
Hard as I can, if I get another opportunity just to keep going, helping the team really - and just keep pushing on.” But like I said, I’m just really happy, and just overwhelmed by the occasion.” “It was amazing - like I was playing FIFA a bit, you know,” Nelson said of his performance.
Nelson had once been compared to Neymar, but had become Arsenal's 'forgotten man' after loan spells in Germany and the Netherlands.
Nelson watched his captain from the sidelines, an example to him of how to ride the storm as a bright footballing prospect and come out thriving. His importance to the game was amplified when Saka went off, Odegaard looked like he understood that. His goal was beautifully taken, lashed in with abandon, although the three Forest players around him could not have given him a clearer invitation had they set up a WhatsApp group with the title “Shoot!”. The miracle all professional footballers share is finding the sustained drive, dedication and discipline as a teenager that eludes many of us for our whole working lives. His finish for his second from Gabriel Jesus’s pass was instinctive but delicious, guiding the ball across goal and inside the far post. He was taken under the wing of Hector Bellerin before being sent on loan to Hoffenheim, coached by now-Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann.
Premier League news - Reiss Nelson scores twice as Arsenal hammer Nottingham Forest 5-0 at Emirates but what does this mean for Nicolas Pepe?
[FCM director Claus Steinlein admits that Isaksen ‘will be sold’ in 2023.](/en-gb/2022/10/31/arsenal-can-sign-another-saka-as-director-admits-17m-ace-will-be-sold/) According to the [Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-transfer-news-facundo-torres-b1036333.html), Orlando City’s £7 million Uruguay international Facundo Torres is another, the Gunners looking to ease the burden on the overworked Saka. The former Lille winger, still Arsenal’s £72 million record signing, has five goals in 15 games since joining Aaron Ramsey, Kasper Schmeichel, Ross Barkley and co at Nice. “There’s a prospect that we can really take to the next level.
Mikel Arteta has been vindicated for one of his huge transfer decisions in the summer as he kept one Arsenal star at the club amid interest from other ...
It vindicates a decision made by Arteta in the summer, not only to let Pepe go, but to also keep Nelson at the club and part of the senior squad. While his appearance at the weekend has already somewhat justified that decision, his appearances that follow could well be the deciding factor for their goals this season. "If you want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that." The latter issue became very real for the Gunners on Sunday as the Given the fact the side are now competing in the Europa League alongside the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, it proves to be a juggling act for Arteta to keep him fit and available. While the Ivorian had hardly impacted the first-team, he did allow for a rotation option during a busy season for the Gunners.