Reiss Nelson scored Arsenal’s dramatic winning goal in their vital 3-2 win over Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal matchwinner Reiss Nelson toasted ‘a great moment’ after he scored the goal which completed his side’s incredible comeback against Bournemouth.
The Gunners were under pressure after Manchester City’s win over Newcastle earlier on Saturday had reduced the gap at the top to just two points.
Relegation-threatened Bournemouth stunned the Emirates after just nine seconds with Philip Billing scoring the second fastest goal in Premier League history.
And when Marcos Senesi powered the visitors further ahead just before the hour mark with a bullet header it looked as though Arsenal’s title hopes were fading.
Two goals in the space of eight minutes from Thomas Partey and Ben White drew Mikel Arteta’s side level but it looked as though they would have to settle for a frustrating point.
Nelson, however, a second half substitute, had other ideas and blasted home an unstoppable shot in the 97th minute with his weaker left foot.
The Hale End Academy graduate had only just returned from injury and his introduction represented a last throw of the dice from a frustrated Arteta.
Reiss Nelson was Arsenal’s matchwinner against Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)
Nelson’s Arsenal career has been a story of unfulfilled potential and he looked on the verge of leaving in the summer only for another fitness setback to block his exit.
He will forever cherish Saturday’s potentially season defining moment, however, and was just delighted to have made such a significant contribution.
He said: ‘It’s amazing. When the ball came out to me I eyed it up. Everyone went crazy when it went in.
‘It’s a great moment for me. I have been here all my life and it means a lot to me. I’m just happy. I’m delighted.
‘When the ball came out to me I was thinking ‘please give me one chance’. I’m buzzing, really happy. I controlled it with my right foot and it came onto my left.
‘We need moments like this if we want to go all the way. We’re not looking at any other team at the minute. We are focusing on ourselves.
We will keep going day-by-day, game-by-game. As an Arsenal fan, I’m just delighted with the result.’
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MORE : Ian Wright says he ‘loves’ Arsenal hero Reiss Nelson as he celebrates epic Bournemouth victory
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The Gunners go five points clear at the top again.