Nelson, the stretch run and the World Cup break

I’ve been running around the country over the past few weekends taking care of family obligations, but I’m now back and fully focussed on Arsenal and their final four matches before the long World Cup break.

Game-changers come from all kinds of places, and Reiss Nelson is no exception. A forgotten man for most of this season, the 22-year-old English winger came on in the first half v Nottingham Forest to replace a limping Bukayo Saka and immediately made an impact. Nelson’s two goals in a three minute span ignited the Gunners with a goal scoring flurry and a 5-0 win over Forest.

The victory moved the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League table and put the squad back on track with both goal scoring and a clean sheet. However, at the end of the day, it was Reiss Nelson everyone was taking about. On loan last season at Feyenoord, Nelson played with the Dutchman club, and help them advance to the Europa Conference League final. However, once back at Arsenal Nelson had to deal with rehabbing an injury sidelining him for much of the early season schedule. But when his number was called on Sunday, Nelson stopped in and stepped up to help his teamates.

I’m sure we will be seeing more of Reiss Nelson in the coming matches.

Now, it’s the stretch run to the World Cup break.

The Gunners have the following fixture list to deal with before the break begins…

November 3rd – Home v FC Zurich (Europa League) – The Gunners need a win to secure first place in Group A ando advance to the Round of 16, plus avoiding a two-leg knockout round.

November 6th – At Chelsea (Premier League) – In order to stay ahead of Man City on the table, this crosstown rivalry is a must win for the Gunners.

November 9th – Home v Brighton and Hove (Carabao Cup) – If Arsenal has trophy dreams this season, this competition could provide a big opportunity. B&H are better this season, so the Gunners can’t trip up here.

November 12th – At Wolves (Premier League) -This will be the last game we will see the Gunners in action until December 26th. A win would be a nice way to help us get through a very long absence of Arsenal football.

After a grueling, yet successful, October (7-1-1), Arteta and his squad have a lot to be proud of so far this season. Let’s hope for a strong run the the next four matches, and then keep our fingers crossed that all of our World Cup players return to London fit and healthy following their international duties.

COYG!

Cheers.

Gunner1953