Reiss Nelson delivered an impressive performance for Arsenal during their 1-1 Champions League group stage draw against PSV Eindhoven last night.
The Gunners travelled to the home of the Eredivisie leaders yesterday knowing that they had already made the round of 16 of the competition with the top spot.
Manager Mikel Arteta decided to ring in the changes with eight players being rested from the weekend’s Premier League defeat to Aston Villa away from home.
Nelson got the nod on the right wing with Bukayo Saka being on the bench and the 24-year-old made the best use of the opportunity with a fine display.
The Gunners graduate registered an assist for Eddie Nketiah’s opener but also impressed with his dribbling skills, winning five out of his seven take-ons.
He also won a stunning 12 ground and aerial duels and had excellent ball control, completing 95 per cent of his passes against the Dutch giants on the road.
Nelson has been a regular on the bench for the Gunners this term with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka being the undisputed starters out wide for Arteta.
Leandro Trossard has been the third-choice coming off the bench to replace Martinelli regularly. Hence, Nelson has not got a genuine chance to prove his credentials.
Yesterday’s performance versus PSV offered plenty of encouragement. Arteta could be enticed into using him more often from the bench in the forthcoming games.
Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
The Gunners have the chance to climb back to the top of the table and put the pressure on leaders Liverpool ahead of their encounter versus Manchester United.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
