Reiss Nelson reacts to dramatic winner in five-goal thriller against Bournemouth

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By Martin Graham | 5th Mar 2023

It might only be against Bournemouth but Arsenal might have played out the most dramatic game of the Premier League season and possibly the most important comeback win of their campaign.

The Gunners came from 2-0 down to record a 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium under the most dramatic of circumstances. The Gunners were trailing by two goals at the half-hour mark but rallied strong to claim a winner in stoppage time. Goals from Thomas Partey, Ben White and a last-gasp strike from Reiss Nelson saw the game end in unexpected fashion.

Asides the dramatic manner of the win, a more interesting story was the player who scored the all-important goal – Reiss Nelson.

Nelson reveals decision behind match-winning goal

Reiss Nelson revealed that it was a quick decision to change his footing that allowed him to score the winning goal against Bournemouth.

In the final seconds, the ball dropped to the Englishman on the edge of the box and he chested it down before a thunderous shot that sent Emirates Stadium into delirium.

Speaking after the game, he revealed that some razor-sharp thinking potentially won us the game and capped an incredible display off the bench.

“It dropped onto my right,” he said. “I wanted to hit it with my laces on my right but I saw the defender coming out, so I decided to shift it onto my left and then just had to hit through it, aim for the top bins – something like that! I’m just happy it went in – I’m delighted with it.

“I didn’t start the game, but I came on with the instructions just to play forward, try and get as many one-on-one opportunities as I can to create something, and I did.”

As well as his goal, Nelson also made quick impact off the bench when created an assist for Ben White to score his first goal for the club and level the scoring to 2-2.

The defender was thrilled to get off the mark, and was happy that it helped contribute to a crucial three points that could be pivotal in the title race.

On the feeling after scoring, he said: “It was unbelievable. It was [Reiss] that did it for me, so I’m very grateful.

“Every week we keep building and winning games and that’s what we managed to do today. The emotions of the game, the different ways it could have gone – I think it’s all down to the boys and how we work each day. That’s the result we probably deserve.”

Reiss was also keen to praise the Arsenal fans who continued to cheer the team loudly, even when they were 2-0 down.

“I think the stadium has been like this since the start of the season,” Nelson added. “Of course, when you get a late goal like that, everyone’s amongst it.

“It’s just amazing to celebrate with the supporters and the support we get, so hopefully we can carry it on for the next few games.”