Nelson sparks U-turn after heroics as Arteta in unusual celebration activity

06 March 2023 , 04:00

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Nelson sparks U-turn after heroics as Arteta in unusual celebration activity

Arsenal ended the weekend with their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League intact.

The Gunners pulled off a late show against Bournemouth courtesy of Reiss Nelson's 97th-minute winner. It means they keep Manchester City at arm's length as Mikel Arteta aims to outdo his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.

Their late win sparked mad celebrations at the Emirates - with Arteta having to engage in a rather unusual activity. The Gunners return to continental action this week with a Europa League tie to come against Sporting Lisbon, which will increase their workload as they battle a concerning injury list.

Here's the latest from the red side of north London.

Nelson's fresh role

Mikel Arteta believes that Reiss Nelson has demonstrated that he can be "really important" for Arsenal in the title race following his dramatic late winner against Bournemouth.

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The Gunners were on the verge of suffering a major setback in their bid to clinch a first Premier League title in 19 years after Bournemouth raced into a two goal lead through Phillip Billing and Marcos Senesi. But Thomas Partey and Ben White struck second-half goals to set up a grand finale at the Emirates.

It was Nelson who popped up with a rasping 97th-minute winner to cap a remarkable comeback and keep Arsenal's title tilt on track. The 23-year-old Hale End graduate had been absent in recent weeks with a thigh injury, but Arteta admitted that he had chosen to leave the winger out after his return to fitness in favour of "other options".

The Spaniard appears to have changed his tune following Nelson's late, late impact, though, after lauding his late strike.

Reiss Nelson bagged Arsenal's winner on Saturday (Julian Finney/Getty)

Arteta deals with child in celebrations

Mikel Arteta had to pause his late celebrations on Saturday afternoon to hand a pitch-invading child to a member of security.

The Emirates was sent into raptures by Reiss Nelson's 97th minute strike, which sealed a 3-2 comeback win for Arsenal as they maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Players, substitutes and coaches swarmed the field after the winner was fired in.

Arteta was set to get amongst it, but revealed he maintained composure to usher a child over the security staff amidst the wild celebrations in north London.

Jesus edges towards return

Gabriel Jesus hasn't played for Arsenal since before the World Cup having picked up an injury while representing Brazil.

In his absence, Eddie Nketiah has filled in, but has since picked up an issue of his own. Leandro Trossard has played as a false-nine whilst Gabriel Martinelli is also an option. The ideal option, though, is for Jesus to get back fit - and he continues to make forward strides.

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The former Manchester City man was pictured playing in small team games at the Emirates as the players warmed-down after their win on Saturday.

Samuel Meade