Ian Wright has reacted to Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest (Pictures: Getty)
Ian Wright has hailed Reiss Nelson and says the winger made a statement during Arsenal’s Premier League thrashing over Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners secured their biggest win of the season to beat Forest 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium and return to the top of the Premier League.
It took Arsenal just five minutes to break the deadlock as in-form Gabriel Martinelli combined with Bukayo Saka – who later went off with an injury – to head past Dean Henderson.
Nelson, who came on for Saka, scored two goals in three second-half minutes to put Mikel Arteta’s side in control.
Nottingham Forest produced a shock victory over Liverpool last weekend but were brought back down to earth in north London as goals from Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard completed Arsenal’s emphatic win.
Wright singled out Arsenal academy graduate Nelson for praise after the thrashing, telling Premier League productions: ‘I’m delighted for him.
‘It’s credit to him and the work he’s put in because he’s been there for a long time.
‘A lot of people have said he should have gone out on loan but he’s stayed. Mikel has given everyone an opportunity if they are impressing and working hard.
‘He’s obviously been doing that. He’s been rewarded for his hard work today and I’m pleased for him because he’s Arsenal through and through.
‘He’s desperate to play for Arsenal and prove himself at Arsenal and this is a big step towards that. I’m just delighted for him.’
Nelson’s first goal was his first for the Gunners since November 2020. He is still waiting to make his first Premier League start of the season but has featured more regularly in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old said: ‘It was amazing you know, we had a bit of a slow start after the goal but everyone got into the game and it was great to play in.
‘Couldn’t have got gone much better than that for me after coming on. Delighted with the goals and the assist. I have been training for my chance and I got it and tried my best to take it.’
More to follow…
‘I’m delighted for him.’