Arsenal: Reiss Nelson provides what is missing when Gunners play poorly

When Arsenal play poorly, they become slow, lethargic, and aimless, especially in possession. Young Reiss Nelson, however, provides the exact opposite: Pace and purpose.

It is easy to see when Arsenal are playing poorly. From the first stanzas of play, a quick glance at how they are dictating the midfield will tell you everything you need to know — crucially, it is not whether they are dominating play or not that is the tell, it is the way in which they are dominating.

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If they are passing the ball with fizz and confidence, with quick, one and two-touch moves, shifting the ball in and out of the midfield with real tempo, pace, precision and intention, then they are playing well. If, however, they are sluggish, aimless, blunt, and wayward, then it is safe to assume that it will be a disappointing game ahead.

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It has always been the way under Arsene Wenger. Such are his demands, that the team, who play in a high-ceiling, low-floor style, can be scintillating one week and sub-standard the next. It is during these moments of inconsistency, as against Watford last week, that they require individuals to provide an element of impetus, intensity and directiveness to their play, especially when in possession.

In that past, that responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Alexis Sanchez. While the Chilean may have been dispossessed more than any other player in the Premier League since the start of the 2015/16 season, he also is willing to be inventive and forward-thinking, trying new things, committing defenders, and, ultimately, causing problems, creating chances, and scoring goals.

But Arsenal need more than just Sanchez to be an attacking missile when their game is not quite clicking. Others must step up to the mark.

One player who does have the natural ability and desire to play with an element of purpose and intention that others are not is young Reiss Nelson. In limited appearances in the summer, he was wonderfully direct with the ball at his feet, always looking to drive straight at defenders as soon as he was offered the opportunity.

And although his displays in this season haven’t replicated the same level of exuberance and excitement, during the 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night, bar Jack Wilshere, there was not another player on the pitch more willing than Nelson to try and make things happen, including the more senior members of the team like Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.

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What is so compelling about Nelson’s game is the different aspect that he has to almost every other Arsenal player. He is not safe and conservative. He is not merely solid without ever being spectacular. He does not retreat into his shell. He is purposeful and dynamic, two things that the Gunners are not when their form betrays them.