Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: 4 Things We Learned From FA Cup Win

Reiss Nelson Doesn’t Take His Chance

While the late removal of Gabriel Martinelli was a sight no supporter wished to see, the silver lining was that Reiss Nelson would have a chance to stake his claim. Early doors it appeared as if he was going to grasp that opportunity.

There were some neat touches and movement from the 21-year-old to start with, all of which fizzled out around 15 or so minutes in when Newcastle gradually sat further back. Granted, he hasn’t played for a while, but Nelson looked unsure whenever receiving the ball, frightened to impose himself too heavily on the game for fear of losing possession.

His decision making was questionable, usually collecting the ball on the left and taking the easy route infield or back to Kieran Tierney. Having tested the waters in the opening exchanges with a few pot-shots, his head dropped and his enthusiasm waned.

It took the Scotsman to provide the runs in behind down the Magpies’ right flank, the kind of aggressive running that Nelson should have been making. He’s bulked up now and started to make cocksure movements, none of which was on display when Newcastle dug in.

Loaning him out, is that the necessary course of action? Depending on the length of time Martinelli will be out, it appears so.