Arsenal maintained their 100% record in the Europa League this season by cruising past Rapid Vienna 4-1 last night and some fans have been praising one player in particular – Reiss Nelson.
The match saw fans return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since March. And, with 2,000 supporters thrilled to be back, the Gunners produced a dazzling display on their way to an emphatic victory.
Alexandre Lacazette smashed home the opener, while Pablo Mari, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith-Rowe also got on the scoresheet. Koya Kitagawa replied for the visitors.
Nelson shines
Arsenal’s second goal of the night was set up by winger Reiss Nelson. The 20-year-old has struggled for minutes this season but was one of the Gunners’ best performers last night.
Some Arsenal fans were particularly impressed by the youngster. They took to Twitter to praise his eye-catching showing:
Nelson struggling for Premier League minutes
Despite demonstrating his talents in the Europa League, Nelson has been unable to break into Arsenal’s Premier League starting line-up.
He failed to feature in the team’s first eight league games this season. However, he has made substitute appearances in Arsenal’s last two top-flight matches.
Last night, the promising wide man did his chances of earning some more playing time no harm at all with his latest display.
North London derby next
This weekend Arsenal travel down the road to rivals Tottenham Hostpur for the first north London derby of the season.
Fellow winger Nicolas Pepe will be serving a suspension, meaning Nelson could be given his chance to start against the table-toppers.
Nelson was replaced shortly after the hour mark last night, with the game already wrapped up. Was that an indication manager Mikel Arteta is considering selecting him on Sunday?
Arsenal’s underwhelming start
Arsenal need to kick on in the league after a dire start to the campaign.
They have lost half their opening ten league games, leaving them in 14th place. The team have scored just once in their last three fixtures, suggesting added creativity is desperately required.
Nelson’s virtuoso display in midweek hints he could be just the player to provide it.
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