Nelson scores last-gasp winner as Arsenal complete remarkable comaback against Bournemouth

Arsenal pulled off a remarkable comeback in a 3-2 win against Bournemouth on a thrilling night of Premier League football. Reiss Nelson’s 97th-minute goal completed the turnaround and sparked scenes of wild celebration amongst the Arsenal faithful.

Bournemouth took the lead after just nine seconds with Phillip Billing scoring the second-fastest goal in Premier League history. The Cherries capitalised on Arsenal’s slow start, with Dango Ouattara playing a dangerous low cross into the box which found Billing in space, and he comfortably steered past Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal pushed back immediately, with Neto making crucial saves from Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in quick succession. Ramsdale was also called into action at the other end to deny Ouattara after a swift counter-attack.

The Gunners thought they had a penalty 12 minutes before the break after the ball appeared to hit the arm of Chris Mepham after he missed a header. However, a VAR review dismissed their appeals, much to the frustration of the Arsenal players and fans.

Bournemouth doubled their lead in the 57th minute when Joe Rothwell’s corner was met by the head of Marcos Senesi, putting the visitors in dreamland.

Six minutes later, Arsenal gave themselves hope as Emile Smith Rowe glanced a header to the far post where Thomas Partey was on hand to tuck home. The Gunners were back in the game, and the momentum was starting to shift in their favour.

A minute after his introduction, Reiss Nelson provided the assist for Arsenal’s equaliser as his cross found Ben White in space. Neto was unable to claw his volley back off the line, and the Emirates Stadium erupted in joy.

It seemed it would not be Arsenal’s day as Jack Stephens deflected Saka’s cross onto his own post, and the hosts saw another VAR review for a handball call on Billing not go their way. However, Nelson had other ideas, with a strike from around 15 yards resulting in pandemonium for the home fans.

The win was crucial for Arsenal’s title aspirations, as it restored a five-point advantage over Manchester City. The Gunners had looked set to drop crucial points in the race for the title, but their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude saw them come out on top in a thrilling encounter.

Overall, it was a night of high drama and intense emotions for both sets of fans, but ultimately it was Arsenal who emerged victorious, thanks to their stunning comeback and Nelson’s late heroics.