On a Saturday evening that could go down as one of the biggest moments in the history of the Emirates era at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s young Gunners once again showed they were up for the fight that comes with leading a title race charge in the Premier League.
After going two-nil down to relegation-threatened Bournemouth in front of home support in north London, Arsenal dug deep to produce a memorable comeback win to send the ground into rapture after Hale End Academy product and life-long Gunner Reiss Nelson scored a thunderous match-winner from just inside the area to break many a Cherries’ heart.
During his post-match press conference, Arteta did not hold back his joy at the result while continuing to champion the spirit of togetherness that has truly taken hold at London Colney since his return to the club.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is here. “It was an extraordinary day…a beautiful finish [to the game],” he says pic.twitter.com/AlL3y1z1eP
— Layth (@laythy29) March 4, 2023
Arteta continued; “…probably the loudest and most emotional moment we have had together” when reflecting on the connection between the club and the fanbase who never stopped backing the club on the pitch in the wake of Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Newcastle United during the lunchtime fixture.
As for Nelson, Arteta was full of praise for the 23-year-old, whose future remains up in the air despite his desire to sign an extension with the club he holds near and dear. “I’m so happy for Reiss. It’s crazy. You lose sight of where you are running to [after the winner] to see the joy in everyone’s eyes…he did it in the perfect moment.”
With that result, the Gunners remain five points clear of Pep Guardiola’s champions with twelve matches to go and another clash with City to come in April that could define the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign.
