Last Updated: March 05, 2023, 14:08 IST
Mikel Arteta admitted Premier League leaders Arsenal have been “overwhelmed” by their emotionally draining 3-2 win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Arteta’s side fell two goals behind against lowly Bournemouth before battling back to secure a thrilling victory which keeps them five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
It is the first time in over a decade that the Gunners have 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 into stoppage time.
“Everybody is overwhelmed. It was madness from the first seconds with that routine and we defended so poorly,” Arteta mentioned.
“Then we needed to climb a mountain towards 10 males behind the ball. We tried in each single manner, we didn’t rating and abruptly we’re 2-0 down from a set play.”
Bournemouth led through Philip Billing, who scored the second-fastest goal in Premier League history as he turned home with just 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 win that could prove a defining moment in the title race.
Nelson, 23, is out of contract this summer and was introduced off the bench for his first appearance since November 12, having also been sidelined with a thigh injury.
“It’s been a rough couple of months for me, just coming back from injury and when that goal went in it was a great moment for me,” Nelson informed Sky Sports News.
“I’ve been right here all my life. It means loads to me. It was an excellent strike. I’m delighted with the purpose and hope it’s the first of many.”
Nelson set up White’s equaliser before scoring a superb 20-yard winner with the last meaningful kick of the contest as Arteta revealed he now has a selection headache.
“I always saw the potential (of Nelson). The talent and the desire for him to do it, but he’s at a different level right now. I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him,” Arteta mentioned.
“Football-wise, it was my choice within the final two video games to not play him as a result of we had different choices.
“But he was knocking on the door. He’s been coaching very well and it’s a very good lesson for me and for the coaches that we’d like him and that he might be actually vital for the workforce.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
