LONDON:
Mikel Arteta welcomed the leaders of the Premier League Arsenal were “underwhelmed” in their 3-2 win at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Arteta’s side fell behind by two goals against lowly Bournemouth before fighting back to secure a stunning win which keeps them in the top five of Manchester City.
This is the first time in over a decade that the Gunners have come back from two goals down to win a league game.
Thomas Partey and Ben White struck 2-2 before substitute Reiss Nelson grabbed the lead.
“Everyone is overwhelmed. The anger from the first seconds in that routine and we defended badly,” Arteta said.
“Then we had to climb a mountain against 10 men behind the ball. We tried everything, we didn’t score and suddenly we were 2-0 down game set.”
Bournemouth were led by Philip Billing, who scored the second fastest goal in Premier League history when he headed home with just 9.11 seconds on the clock.
Marcos Senesi doubled the lead after the break at the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal showed what it means to be champions to secure a win that could seal a decisive 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, having been sidelined with a thigh injury.
“It’s been a tough few months for me, just coming back from injury and when that goal came it was a great moment for me,” Nelson told Sky Sports News.
“I’ve been here all my life, it means a lot to me. It’s a great game, I’m happy with the goal and hope it’s the first of many.”
Nelson set up White’s equalizer before scoring the winner from 20 yards with the final kick of the contest as Arteta admitted he had a headache.
“I’ve always seen (Nelson’s) potential. The talent and the desire for him to do it, but it’s on a different level now. I think about the emotions, the things he’s done. help him,” said Arteta.
“As far as football is concerned, my decision in the last two games was not to play him because we had other options.
“But he knocked on the door, he trained really well and it was a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him and he can be very important for the team.”
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