Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his substitutes as Arsenal fought back from 2-0 down against Bournemouth to snatch an incredible 3-2 win thanks to Reiss Nelson’s pile driver in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
The Gunners had fallen behind inside 10 seconds when Philip Billing tapped home from close range and the visitors further extended their lead just before the hour mark through Marcos Senesi’s header.
Despite having a mountain to climb, Arsenal gave themselves a chance through strikes by Thomas Partey and Ben White before Nelson popped up at the death.
After the match, Mikel Arteta spoke to BBC Sport. Here’s what he had to say…
On a crazy game…
Madness. From the first second of the game when we concede a goal from a routine we knew they could do but still we kept trying, we dominated the game, we created so many situations and we didn’t score. After that, in the second half we concede a set play and then it looks like there is a mountain to climb. We took it bit by bit, we had a lot of discipline to continue to play and have the hunger to go for a first goal, that was the first step. Thomas [Partey] scored and straightaway the atmosphere changed, it was a real belief we could do it. Then you need some magic moments and today, the subs were extraordinary; the way Ben [White] came on the pitch to score and how much he gave us in attack especially and then Reiss, who is a player that hasn’t featured much. He was injured, we didn’t give him the option to be in the squad the last two matches and today he comes in and puts in a performance. Overall, I don’t know. A lot of emotion, to experience that with our crowd and for sure, it’s a day in the journey that’s going to stick with us.
On Reiss Nelson doing a Federico Macheda (look it up kids)…
I don’t know. I’m going to remember this day for a few things. A lot of things happened during the day, the injury of Leo [Trossard] after conceding in eight seconds, then you concede from a set play without really giving anything away. But the team still found a way to win it and I loved the initiative, the courage, the personality and the willingness to make things happen when it’s ugly, when it’s difficult, that’s what big teams do.
On showing the spirit of title winners…
Yeah, we have to make it a little easier for ourselves, especially the way we started the game but, yeah, this is the Premier League, the opponents are good, the opponents know what they are doing and they make it hard for you.
On feeling momentum behind his team…
Winning four on the trot in this league, it’s very difficult. We’ve done three in a week, which is even more difficult. Now we have the Europa League. There are many games coming up and we’re going to need everybody at their best.
Unbelievable Jeff!
My only comment if I was Arteta:
“Bournemouth tried but we were too good and the ref was shit. Thank you!”
I know we won but these absolute stonewall pens not being given is becoming ridiculous, saka being manhandled last week and about 3 pens today being turned away, you just know if those same penalty shouts were in favour of Bournemouth var would of given the penalties.
You only need to know that the majority of referees come from Manchester. Also they are still smarting from the Mason situation.
In fairness he could have easily blown up at the corner so i just checked Kavanaghs wiki page and it refutes your claim. Surely you can believe everything on the internet.(I think some disgruntled mancs have learned how to use a PC.
The 2nd one on the elbow I’m ok with no pen, arm was in line with his body. But the first with Mepham and the 3rd on goal line are clear pens. The 3rd especially for me. It prevented Martinelli from getting his head to it on the fucking goal line!!!
3 blatant pens were ignored. The first one was when Mepham missed a header and the ball dropped onto his arm instead. The second, after Saka collects it at the second attempt wide of goal on the end line, the defender extends his arm to block the ball. Those two were clear handball infringements. Third, grabbing and shoving Martinelli was also an obvious foul.
The evidence is mounting.
Add the foul on tomiyasu
I think I aged 10 years in the last 15 mins of the 2nd half and at my age that’s dangerous!
But at the end I got younger with 15 year in a second. That is very very dangerous for little boys.
Should have given more praise to Nelson for that absoulute beauty of a goal!
Massive the points within the context of the game and title fight. Reiss you fucking little champion! It was not just the goal and assist. He was driving so we much after he came on. Said it earlier. Cameo of the century.
Cameo of the Universe
Reiss has me in pieces!
He’s going to bring us the cups!
He’s Reiss lightning!
Reiss is the word.. ok I’ll stop now..
Sounds like you have Reissency bias.
Fuck me, that is glorious 🥂 it’s been ~18 hours and I’m still giddy
He’s got exactly what we need.
It’s difficult not to be impressed when we overcome both our opponents, AND one of the last Cartels in the UK. Well done Arsenal.
This man is a God
No, he’s not.
It was a great moment, but honestly I thought the level of celebration was a bit embarassing and over the top. We haven’t won the league yet.
Sarcasm?
Celebration police for a last minute winner from 0-2 down. Come on now. You are allowed to enjoy things. If you can’t sorry, but let others enjoy things then.
Anyway, WHAT. A. MOMENT. I’m still swimming in it. Woooooooooooohoooooooooo REISS!!!