‘Stood out’, ‘Only one that turned up’: Arsenal fans defend £100k-a-week ace in 3-1 loss

Add as preferred source on Google

Reiss Nelson was one of the few players to emerge with any credit as Arsenal fell to a 3-1 defeat against West Ham United on Wednesday evening.

Arsenal crashed out of the EFL Cup with an abject performance at the London Stadium last night.

None of Mikel Arteta’s players were brilliant, but Reiss Nelson at least tried to make things happen in the final third, in the first half especially. 

The £100,000-a-week Hale End academy graduate was willing to run at the Hammers rearguard in the first half, and looked like the Gunners’ most threatening attacking player. As per Sofascore statistics, the 23-year-old winger took three shots, executed three key passes, and completed two successful dribbles.

Nelson will feel particularly aggrieved that the north London club were eliminated from the EFL Cup at this stage. The competition provided his only reliable supply of starts this season. Given his limited opportunities, Nelson was one of the players who needed to impress Arteta tonight. 

At the very least, some Arsenal fans were impressed with the wide man’s efforts.

Arsenal fans defend Reiss Nelson

Taking to Twitter, one Arsenal fan said, “only Reiss Nelson stood out tonight… the rest of the players should look at themselves and think about what they can offer in the long run.” Another concurred with this assessment, stating that, “Nelson is the only one that turned up ready to compete.”

One Arsenal fan felt that the manager made a mistake in taking Nelson off in the 66th minute, saying, “Arteta subs are awful how is Reiss Nelson getting subbed off?” 

Another supporter said, “Nelson is the only player that’s actually tried to make something happen in that half absolute awful performance from the rest of them.”

Nelson will now fear that he could have to wait a long time before he is given significant minutes in a match again. The latter stages of the Champions League group stage, assuming the Gunners can qualify for the knockout rounds with a game or two to spare, could be his next likely chance of a start.

If Nelson is not able to force his way into the reckoning for more regular Premier League minutes, he may have to consider his long term future at the Emirates Stadium, for the good of his own career.