Arsenal cruised to a brilliant 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest today as Reiss Nelson was the surprising goal hero for the Gunners.
Nelson came off the bench to replace Bukayo Saka and helped himself to two goals and an assist. For Nelson, it was a long time coming, given he’s been sent on loan for the last few seasons. He’ll be hoping for more days like this.
However, Nelson could only score his goals with his teammates producing the goods as well. And commentating on the game for the BBC, former Brighton striker Glenn Murray felt Nelson owed a lot to Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus.
“Well he didn’t have to wait long! Reiss Nelson, only a matter of minutes after his second goal for the club. Simple volley, four yards out and this game is dead and buried,” Murray said on BBC comms.
“The play between Odegaard and Jesus is so special. The weight on the pass was perfect and then Reiss Nelson’s movement. To think he had to wait two years between his first and second goal and then just three minutes between his second and his third.”
Odegaard and Jesus have been outstanding all season long for the Gunners. With both fit and firing, Mikel Arteta will be hopeful that Arsenal’s form can be maintained.
Our View: Odegaard and Jesus ooze class for Arsenal v Forest
Arsenal have gone from needing world class players to challenge and compete to having a duo who most of the league will be envious of.
The signing of Jesus has been a masterstroke, while Arteta’s decision to give Odegaard the skipper’s armband seems an inspired move as well.
Arsenal are continuing to show they mean business. And while Forest hardly provided a stern challenge, Arsenal – with Odegaard and Jesus leading the way – proved they’re here to stay.
