Will Reiss Nelson Come to Arsenal’s Rescue?

The stage is set for Reiss Nelson at Arsenal.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Reiss Nelson. The Hale End graduate was widely expected to be sent out on loan during the summer transfer window but, for one reason or another, a move never materialised (a common theme for Arsenal lately).

He then picked up a slight knock which sidelined him for a few games and, all in all, he has had very little playing time. However, given the circumstances regarding personnel and results at the moment, surely now is the time for him to get the opportunity he has been waiting for.

The weekly disappointment of Willian’s performances this season, along with Arsenal’s unfamiliar creativity problems, have led to a renewed desire from the fans to give youth a chance. We all love to see ‘one of our own’ develop in the academy before lighting up the first-team stage, and over the years our hearts have been captured by talents such as Alex Iwobi, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.

The youngsters who’ve developed at the club have a hunger and love for the badge unlike anyone else in the squad, and as fans, we need people in the team who care as much about Arsenal as we do.

We have all expressed our anger and frustration following yet another below-par Gunners display at the weekend, but one beacon of light emerged on the day with Nelson’s half-time introduction. The England Under-21 international replaced Willian during the interval and stood out in the Arsenal ranks courtesy of his urgency on the ball and willingness to take players on – something we have simply not seen enough of recently.

Despite the shortcomings that we have experienced in wide areas this campaign, Nelson’s time on the pitch has been limited to Europa League action, and even at that he has only made one start and one substitute appearance.

This will likely (hopefully) change this week, with Willian picking up a muscle injury and Nicolas Pepe suspended for the next three games. The Ivorian is still eligible for European ties, but given his frequent omissions this season and the manner of his red card on Sunday, it would be a little surprising if he was still ahead of Nelson in the pecking order.

It feels like Nelson has been around for ages, and as fans, we are well acquainted with the name, but he may now finally get the chance to nail down a regular starting spot. There are tough fixtures on the horizon, including a clash with Wolves and a North London Derby, while our attack has never been so out of sorts.

We are holding out for a hero, and Nelson may be just the man for the job.