Arsenal star Reiss Nelson secured a loan move to Fulham on the final day of the transfer window. It might be viewed as a step down by some but the player has a chance to show his true potential with the Cottagers.
The English star joined the club in 2007 and has since followed an upward trajectory in his career graph. Passing through youth ranks unhindered, he finally made his senior debut in 2017.
However, he gathered just one Premier League start (14 appearances as a substitute) under Mikel Arteta last season. It was obvious that a loan move was not far away and the player would be happy to land at a new destination. The attacker will be eyeing a strong return to the Gunners and his performances this year will be key.
Nelson had his quality time at the Emirates and we bring to you those five moments that defined his career at the North London-based club.
5 MOMENTS THAT DEFINED REISS NELSON’S CAREER AT ARSENAL
Arsene Wenger in awe of a young 15-year-old Nelson
The legendary manager rated the young winger very highly and he pictured him as one of the best 15-year-olds around. Since then he continued to impress people with his supreme natural talent and unmatched skill sets when compared to other teenage stars.
The Hale Ender was already the best player in his age group during the academy days, even superior to his senior as well. He joined their development programme at seven and it went in a blur of brilliance as he signed his first professional contract in 2016.
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Arsene Wenger on Reiss Nelson: “Some players turn 18 & it’s natural for them to be on the pitch. They think ‘Let’s play’ & he is like that.” pic.twitter.com/J8d76Zde1H
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) July 14, 2017
An inspired Wenger decided to give him the first taste of playing football with his best XI at the Emirates. Nelson was starting as a wing-back in the Europa League games in the 2017-18 season- Wenger’s final season.
After moving out on loan and getting vital experience at several clubs, he was ready to explode under new manager Mikel Arteta.
Life has moved fast for the young lad and he will get plenty of opportunities to learn ahead.
Nelson’s dramatic 97th minute winner against Bournemouth
After an underwhelming 2022-23 season (just 85 appearances under his belt), Nelson needed a banger to introduce himself to the world.
It was his game-changing display against Bournemouth on the 4th of March 2022 that made him a clutch player. Arsenal were cruising ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League table with a five-point lead.
They were known to score late goals against elite opponents but Nelson’s goal against Bournemouth was out of this world. The Cherries gave nothing away and defended with passion. The scores levelled at 1-1 at half-time, Thomas Partey scoring the second but the team conceded the equaliser.
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It looked like the Gooners’ lead at the top of the table would be slashed by three points, but they kept on pushing until Nelson scored the winner in the 97th minute.
Arsene Wenger on Reiss Nelson: “Some players turn 18 & it’s natural for them to be on the pitch. They think ‘Let’s play’ & he is like that.” pic.twitter.com/J8d76Zde1H
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) July 14, 2017
Every person on the Arsenal bench ran towards the English star, some celebrating, some embracing each other. The stadium was filled with noise and a sense of huge relief. A sight to behold as a Gunner.
While speaking to Matchday after the game, Nelson said: “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 on to my left.”
Scoring the winner against FA Cup foes Leeds United
Arsenal were up against Leeds United in the third round of the 2019-20 FA Cup campaign. They were desperate to land a blow to the Whites who defeated them in the finals of the same competition in 1972.
As important as this game sounds, Arteta kept his promise and fielded a strong starting XI. However, it was Nelson’s lone goal in the 55th minute that helped them knock Leeds out of the competition.
The 23-year-old’s sloppy left-sided finish was enough to seal the game. An important goal that shaped the right winger’s career at the Emirates.
Arsenal rewarded the academy graduate with a four-year contract
The Gunners handed Nelson a lucrative four-year contract with an option to extend to a further year. It was a reward for his performances in the 2022-23 season. His wages increased drastically as well.
Arteta praised the youngster and his ‘tremendous’ ability as he said:
“Reiss is a player I have admired since the first day I was here. He has tremendous ability and is such an exciting offensive talent. Reiss knows how important he is to our squad with the quality he has.”
The Gunner’s most impactful substitute under Mikel Arteta
The Spanish manager looked at the bench whenever his side was in trouble and Nelson delivered repeatedly.
Reiss Nelson vs Nottingham Forest:
27′ comes on ⏩
49′ goal ⚽️
52′ goal ⚽️
57′ assist 🅰️What a day for the Arsenal academy graduate! pic.twitter.com/ICUvYAIP5A
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 30, 2022
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His goal against Bournemouth won him the Castrol game-changer of the season award, the first for an Arsenal player. He scored another brace after coming in as a substitute against Nottingham Forest in the following season.
He was the man of moments and provided an assist or a key attacking move whenever he was called upon.
