Reiss Nelson may have just kick started his season with a brilliant performance off the bench for Arsenal in Sunday's 5-0 Premier League win against Nottingham Forest.
Nelson, 22, replaced Bukayo Saka after 27 minutes after the England international was forced off with an injury concern at the Emirates Stadium. Club doctor Gary O'Driscoll assessed Saka throughout the opening stages against Forest and he was replaced after receiving two lots of treatment.
After missing a number of games due to a thigh injury, Nelson was handed his first Premier League appearance of the season by Mikel Arteta to replace Saka. With the Gunners already 1-0 ahead following Gabriel Martinelli's fifth goal of the season, Nelson put Arsenal into a comfortable position with two goals in three minutes shortly after half-time.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Nelson stars with Partey and Odegaard stunners
His first came after originally being denied by Dean Henderson before his second topped off a brilliant team goal for Arteta's side after Gabriel Jesus picked out the winger in a crowded penalty area. As the Arsenal players celebrated Nelson's moment, the cameras panned to Arteta, who had a huge smile on his face.
The Gunners boss, who had said he sees something 'special' in Nelson, had previously said that the winger can '100%' earn himself a new contract in north London ahead of the expiry of his current deal next summer and his performance against the Premier League's bottom side would have done his hopes of a new deal at the club a world of good.
Arteta wasn't the only figure at the club who was quick to applaud Nelson for his quick brace against Steve Cooper's side. Nuno Tavares, on loan at Marseille, took to Twitter to share his excitement at his teammates' performance. He tweeted: "Reiss Nelson (smiling face with hearts, pleading face, red heart) show them”
Arsenal supporters joined Arteta and Tavares in praising the Gunners academy product for his performance over Forest. Here is what some have said on Twitter.
@AndrewAFC89: Delighted for that young man fair play Nelson
@ayears3nal: REISSSSSSSS OMGGG
@taophycs_AFC: Saka getting injured was a blessing in disguise, Nelson came on and showed his worth love it
@DeanJamesAFC: Love that Nelson didn't just give up when his first shot was saved.
@Itsjunioro: I'm sooo happy for Reiss Nelson
@Taylor_Tweets_: Couldn’t be happier for Nelson, has had so many chances before and never really took them. Feel like this season is his last chance, 2 goals & assist will fill him with confidence just hope he can push on and perform consistently and get a new contract.
@49ShadesOfafc: Great game and performance by the team, buzzed for Nelson as well!
@Seun_AFC: Reiss Nelson has actually equalled Sancho’s season G/A tally in one appearance
@AFCMet: I am so happy for Reiss Nelson. Big chance for him to impress today and with a goal he’s taken it
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