Last Update: March 05, 2023, 14:08 IST
Mikel Arteta admitted Premier League leaders Arsenal were “overwhelmed” by their emotional 3-2 win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Arteta’s side fell two goals behind against lowly Bournemouth before fighting back to secure a thrilling win that keeps them five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
It was the first time in over a decade that the Gunners had recovered from a two-goal deficit to win a league game.
Thomas Partey and Ben White struck to make it 2–2, before substitute Reiss Nelson netted deep in stoppage time.
“Everyone is overwhelmed. It was madness from the first seconds with that routine and we defended so poorly,” Arteta said.
“Then we had to climb a mountain against 10 men behind the ball. We tried everything, we couldn’t score and suddenly we were 2-0 down from set play.”
Bournemouth were led by Philip Billing, who scored the second fastest goal in Premier League history when he headed home with only 9.11 seconds on the clock.
Marcos Senesi doubled the advantage after the break at the Emirates Stadium but Arsenal showed the attitude of champions to secure a victory that could prove to be a defining moment in the title race.
Nelson, 23, is out of contract this summer and was introduced from the bench for his first appearance since November 12, also sidelined with a thigh injury.
“It’s been a tough few months for me, just coming back from injury and when he scored, it was a great moment for me,” Nelson told Sky. Play news.
“I have been living here all my life. It means a lot to me. It was a big strike. I am happy with the goal and hope it is the first of many.”
Nelson set up White’s equalizer before scoring a stunning 20-yard winner with the last meaningful kick of the contest as Arteta revealed he now has a selection headache.
“I always saw (Nelson’s) potential. He’s got the talent and the will to do it, but he’s at a different level right now. I think emotionally, the experiences he had helped him,” Arteta said.
“Football wise, it was my decision not to play him in the last two games as we had other options.
“But he was knocking on the door. He’s been training really well and it’s a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him and he can be really important to the team.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)