Mikel Arteta heaps praise on the ‘evolving’ Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson came on for the injured Bukayo Saka and thrust himself into the limelight with a sensational brace as Arsenal hammered five past Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

They say when one door closes, another one opens, and it’s up to one to walk through it. Against Nottingham Forest, Reiss Nelson’s chance came.

But he didn’t walk through the door; he flew through it.

The forgotten man, believed by many not to be at the required level, showed up against Forest.

Mikel Arteta heaps praise on the ‘evolving’ Reiss Nelson

His two goals on Sunday helped the Gunners create breathing space, and eventually, the game turned into a rout. Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his young winger, who finally took his chance.

“I think not only me but all his teammates, all the staff are so happy for him because he is a kid that is really changing, he’s really evolving he’s really maturing,” Arteta said via Goal.com. “He’s showing every day how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity, and he did extremely well because it helped us win the game.”

The win over Forest was important. The Gunners had not won in two games and were at risk of slumping at a time when they needed to bank points.

Thankfully, the squad showed up against Forest. Five goals, 24 shots (ten on target), and 70% possession all point towards a dominant performance which the Gunners desperately needed. It also helped their goal difference.

With the World Cup fast approaching, Arsenal are entering the final stretch of a brutal period that saw them play nine games in October. They also have four games left until the league presses pause for the winter tournament.

They have four games to put their best foot forward. Four games in nine days to consolidate their position in the league before earning a well-deserved break.