After being named in the starting line-up for Mikel Arteta’s first official game in charge against Bournemouth, Reiss Nelson would undoubtedly have been delighted with the Spaniard taking over from Unai Emery on a permanent basis.
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A new boss can give everyone a fresh slate to impress, and Nelson was once again given the opportunity to shine against Leeds on Monday night. Having gone in 0-0 at the break, it was the England U21 international who scored the only goal of the game to help the Gunners edge past Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship side to move into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
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And after seeing his display, Arsenal fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the 5 foot 9 winger, with a few suggesting that the goal would do his confidence the world of good.
Nelson needed that! Still don’t think he’s @premierleague quality yet but will be in a couple of years
Next season at a club like Leeds would do him wonders! #AFC
— Josh Hoban (@MrJHoban) 6 January 2020
You could see as soon as nelson got the goal he looked so much better. Hopefully this gives him more confidence going forward
— Henry W. (@WalterAFC_) 6 January 2020
Reiss Nelson slowly grew into the game, happy he got his goal. You could see when combining with players, the intelligence was there.
— C (@AFC_Carys) 6 January 2020
A couple of fans however were quick to point out that Nelson’s balance didn’t look right at all, with the 20-year-old struggling to stay on his feet on occasion and slipping to the ground in promising positions.
Nelson the match winner in the end but someone needs to speak to him about his balance or his boots the kid is like bambi on ice
— Rudy (@RudyAFC) 6 January 2020
Nelson has no balance
— Canadian Gooner (@Xhakazette29) 6 January 2020
Another couple of fans of the north London side hoped he could improve his composure, with one supporter in particular urging him not to overthink it like former Arsenal star Theo Walcott.
Nelson was good overall, just needs more composure and play with his instincts a bit more, stop overthinking it a la Walcott. There is a player there. #afc
— Adi Meiri #WeCareDoYou (@MeiriAdi) 6 January 2020
Nelson needs to learn to stay on his feet more, he has the pace to beat defenders but he keeps falling over and he lacks composure on the ball. Well done with the goal
— Aisha (@AishaSharu) 6 January 2020
Final thought, which is a weird one considering he scored: I just dunno if Nelson will ever have the killer instinct in front of goal. He’s young yes, but you have to say Martinelli already looks a much more well rounded threat. Hopefully Arteta can work some magic on RN
— Joe Mc (@JPMc99) 6 January 2020
With Arsenal’s squad lacking real out-and-out wingers at the moment – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, a natural striker, is operating out on the left at the moment – there is a real opening for Nelson to really make his mark at the Emirates this season. The academy product will no doubt get some much-needed game time under Arteta thanks to the Gunners’ involvement in three competitions, and if he can add some goals to his game like he did against Leeds, then he could become a permanent fixture sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans react to their transfer interest in this proven Premier League ace.