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    Watch Ian Wright’s incredible reaction to Reiss Nelson’s 98th-minute winner for Arsenal vs Bournemouth

    EVEN for a man with his incredible CV of celebrations, Ian Wright delivered something special when Reiss Nelson fired a 98th-minute winner for Arsenal against Bournemouth.The Gunners’ legend leapt up roaring and punching the air as he danced with arms flailing around before returning to the sofa to wiggle around like a turtle on its back!
    Wrighty roared with joy and relief as the Gunners restored their five-point lead at the top with a last-gasp winner against Bournemouth

    Ex-England striker Wright is delighted as the Cherries are punch-sunk
    Sub Nelson’s 25-yarder had capped Arsenal’s comeback from 2-0 down, which included an opener after 9.11 seconds from Philip Billing.
    And as the Gunners went mad after restoring their five-point lead at the top of the Prem, Wrighty conjured his own amazing response too while watching on a screen in a backroom with fellow pundits.
    He rejoiced as if Arsenal had already won the Prem – much to the amusement of Gary Lineker and Co.
    Wrighty topped it off by screaming: “OH, Reiss! I love you, Reiss! Bro!”
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    He then tweeted his reactions with the words: “REISS!!!!!!!! THIS TEAM!!!!!!” – plus three hearts.
    And Lineker too couldn’t resist posting a clip of Wrighty, as he added: “You’ll never guess who scored in the very last seconds” – accompanied by two crying-with-laughter emojis.
    But fit-again Thomas Partey turned the tide by striking back on 62 minutes.
    Billing and Marco Senesi’s header left home fans open-mouthed with shock as the Cherries scented a glorious victory.
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    And after Ben White levelled eight minutes later, the only question was whether Bournemouth would hold out.
    They almost did – but seconds from time Nelson cracked a winner in his first game since November 12 – with the second-quickest goal in Prem history.
    Shane Long bagged the fastest, for Southampton after 7.69secs at Watford in April 2019.
    Nelson told BBC TV’S  MOTD: “When the ball came out to me I was thinking ‘please give me one chance’. 
    I’m buzzing, really happy. I controlled it with my right foot and it came onto my left.
    “We need moments like this if we want to go all the way. As an Arsenal fan, I’m just delighted with the result.”
    Wright was overwhelmed after Reiss Nelson sealed a comeback victory More

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    Arsenal fans all say the same thing as Gabriel Jesus celebrates Reiss Nelson’s winner in Gunners kit

    ARSENAL fans are all saying the same thing after Gabriel Jesus joined in the celebrations following Reiss Nelson’s late winner versus Bournemouth. The Gunners completed an incredible comeback against the Cherries, coming from two goals down to win 3-2 with a 97th minute goal handing the hosts three points.
    Mikel Arteta gave Gabriel Jesus a big hug after the 3-2 win
    Gabriel Jesus was involved in the warm-down after the gameCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    He even played passes with his team-matesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The jubilant Arsenal team celebrated at the end of the game and injured Gabriel Jesus joined in the party.
    The Brazilian has not featured since before the World Cup as he continues his recovery from knee surgery.
    But it is good news for Arsenal fans as the striker wore the club’s training kit pitch side.
    He hugged manager Mikel Arteta and Emile Smith Rowe before picking up Nelson, which suggests his knee is holding up.
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    After the game, Jesus even joined in the team warm-down, jogging across the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.
    Fans could not believe that the 25-year-old was back in amongst the rest of the team, topping what was a great day for Arsenal supporters.
    One wrote on Twitter: “Glad to see Jesus with the boys… can’t wait for him to join in the goals.”
    Another took a screenshot of Jesus and said: “Tears in my eyes.”
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    A third reacted: “Look at Jesus smiling and hugging the players. This squad is special.”
    More believed a dramatic win like that is further reason why Arsenal will win the league this season.
    One fan said: “True champions.”
    Arteta’s men are now five points clear of Manchester City in second place with just 12 league games to play.
    Arsenal will be hoping Jesus is back for the run-in after Leandro Trossard went off injured and Eddie Nketiah remains sidelined with a problem not thought to be long-term.
    Arsenal have moved five points clear at the topCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Wolves 1 Tottenham 0: Adama Traore’s late screamer seals all three points to deliver huge blow to Spurs’ top four hopes

    ANTONIO CONTE will hardly know where to start when he gets back into work on Sunday.The Italian has a lot of cleaning up to do having missed five games as he convalesced following gall bladder surgery.
    Adama Traore sunk Spurs on 82 minutes to lift Wolves to 13th placeCredit: PA
    Traore is mobbed after nicking victory for Julen Lopetegui’s menCredit: Reuters
    A season that had promised much even if his side’s football has been consistently off – colour, is threatening to fall apart.
    As if FA Cup fifth round defeat to Sheffield United wasn’t bad enough as Tottenham’s long wait for a trophy goes on, Adama Traore popped up to make things even worse.
    The Wolves sub struck eight minutes from the end, producing a brilliant scissor kick volley after Fraser Forster had parried a strike from Raul Jiminez.
    It was a finish fit to win any game and lifted Julen Lopetegui’s side to the heady heights of 13th after a campaign that before the Spaniard arrived looked in danger of ending in relegation.
    But it left Tottenham and no doubt their returning manager on a serious downer.
    His first job, surely, will be to lift them for Wednesday night’s bid to rescue a Champions League quarter final spot after a 1 – 0 first leg defeat to AC Milan.
    Yet he will be deeply worried that a slide that could not have happened at such a critical moment in the season, could see them ultimately give up their top four place with fifth – placed Newcastle United now only four points behind with two games in hand.
    Conte’s No 2 Cristian Stellini made five changes from the side that slumped to that dismal 1 – 0 defeat at Bramall Lane.
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    Richarlison, Lucas Moura, Pepe Sarr, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez were benched as Conte’s No 2 searched for a quick hangover cure.
    He will have believed that any side selected, no doubt on advice from Conte, would improve on the performance against the Championship promotion hopefuls.
    Within those changes was also the cameo of Clement Lenglet replacing Dier, not because the England centre back had been any worse than any of his colleagues in South Yorkshire.
    But he is suspended for the Milan showdown and this clash offered a chance for the Frenchman to bed himself in alongside Ben Davies and Cristian Romero.
    But finding a rhythm not only in preparation for that clash but in enhancing qualification for next season’s elite European competition was tough.
    For the first have was punctured by a successions of injury stoppages.
    The longest – and certainly the most worrying for Diego Costa and his Wolves boss, was the 27th minute clash with Oliver Skipp.
    The former Chelsea warlord landed in a heap, clutching a knee and found himself stretchered off.
    Even someone as battled hardened as him couldn’t hold back a few tears as he departed.
    Tottenham did hard to shake off those Bramall blues.
    Dejan Kulesevski blazed over a fifth minute opportunity and not long after forced Jose Sa into a fine save, the goalkeeper diving low and right to claw away the curling strike.
    But Harry Kane, back from being rested against the Blades, struggled to have any real influence throughout
    He barely got a meaningful touch in the opposition box, frequently isolated from his front – line partner So.
    So much was familiar about the display before the break.
    A suggestion of a lack of bravery with the ball, a reluctance to deliver concise passing.
    Yet Son still found Ivan Persic with a beautifully-flighted free kick – except that Sa was on his near post to parry the header.
    Pedro Porro thought he had broken the stalemate six minutes into time added on and the style of his free kick deserved a celebration.
    Mario Lemina foils Spurs striker Harry Kane on a frustrating afternoon for the visitors but they remain fourth in the PremCredit: AP
    But the right wing back’s effort smashed against the bar.
    Three minutes after the break Son was suffering the same disappointed.
    With a little of the swagger of that has been missing for weeks, he sent sub Nathan Collins to his right then thumped a left footer that that also cannoned off the bar.
    Yet Tottenham were still living dangerously.
    Adama Traore, who had also come on for Mario Lemina, fired over a startling cross from the right.
    It was met by Costa’s replacement Jiminez just ten yards out but Forster reacted spectacularly to the what was all but a point – blank header to block.
    Spurs shook that fright off against the relegation strugglers and Porro, direct and enterprising, latched onto Kulesevski’s pass 20 yards out and forced Sa into more crucial work.
    The classiest player on the pitch, however, was Ruben Neves and he took centre stage as the Wolves captain got the smell of blood..
    Twice inside 60 seconds he demanded Forster’s full attention with howitzers from just outside the box – then tried one more time, this one just missing the goalkeeper’s fingers and the bar.
    He was involved in the build-up that had the home fans in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand sucking the ball into the net.
    But Mateus Da Cunha froze at the crucial moment, slicing wide of Forser’s left hand post.
    Read More on The Sun
    Which is something Traore very much did not do with the goal that lifted his side a precious three points closer to safety.
    While that hangover Tottenham had tried to shake off? It descended again, only this time so much worse.

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    Arsenal player ratings: Reiss Nelson rescues the Gunners with goal and assist in first game since November

    REISS NELSON was the hero as the winger came on to grab an assist and the winning goal in his first appearance since November.The Englishman fired in an incredible winner with essentially the last kick of the game, having earlier provided Ben White with his first Arsenal goal with his first touch.
    Reiss Nelson was the hero for Arsenal – scoring a goal and providing an assist as the Gunners came back from two goals down to win 3-2Credit: Reuters
    Nelson, playing his first game since November 12, was the hero for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    It meant Arsenal, who had been two goals down, maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table with a 3-2 win.
    Having seen City beat Newcastle in the early game to close the gap, Arsenal got off to the worst possible start at the Emirates – Philip Billing scoring the second-quickest Premier League goal ever to stun the crowd.
    As the Gunners piled forward for a leveller they continually left huge gaps at the back and Bournemouth looked dangerous throughout.
    The Cherries then did have a second with slack marking from Thomas Partey at a corner allowing Marcos Senesi to power in a second.
    Read More on ArsenalPREM’S QUICKEST FIVE ALL-TIME GOALS

    1) 7.69s – Shane Long (Southampton) v Watford Apr 23, 2019
    2) 9.11s – Philip Billing (Bournemouth) v Arsenal Mar 4, 2023
    3) 9.82s – Ledley King (Tottenham) v Bradford Dec 9, 2000
    4) 10.52s – Alan Shearer (Newcastle) v Man City Jan 18, 2003
    6) 10.54s – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) v Man Utd Jan 31, 2018

    Left with a mountain to climb, Arsenal continued to pour on the pressure and Partey made amends five minutes later, turning in a volley from Emile Smith Rowe after a half-cleared corner.
    It was game on and Mikel Arteta went deep into his bench, throwing on Nelson for his first appearance since November 12.
    It had the desired effect with Nelson’s first touch taking him inside the box and his second a cross to the back stick for White to volley in.
    Arsenal continued to throw men forward but it looked like they would have to settle for a draw.
    Philip Billing scored the second-quickest Prem goal EVERCredit: AFP
    Marcos Senesi headed home to double Bournemouth’s leadCredit: Getty
    Thomas Partey volleyed home at the far post to give Arsenal hopeCredit: AP
    Ben White scored his first Arsenal goal as the Gunners came back from 2-0 downCredit: Reuters
    That was until the ball dropped to Nelson on the edge of the box and he fired in a beautiful left-footed strike for his first goal since October 30.
    Here’s how Tom Sheen rated the Gunners in their 3-2 win against Bournemouth.
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    Aaron Ramsdale – 8/10
    Made an incredible one-on-one save in the first half from Dango Ouattara and another good stop early in the second.
    The Cherries may have been out of sight if it wasn’t for the keeper who, for a time, looked like the only man defending the Arsenal goal.
    Aaron Ramsdale made a couple of crucial saves when the game was still 2-0 to keep Arsenal in the gameCredit: Getty
    Takehiro Tomiyasu – 4
    Bombed on down the right throughout the first half but his final ball was really poor – with one particular piece of poor control, following an earlier bad cross, brought a huge groan.
    Replaced by Ben White at half-time.
    William Saliba – 4
    He was totally asleep for Billing’s opener as he watched the ball drift by him after Gabriel failed to clear.
    Showed some good pace to make a couple of recovery interceptions and blocks, but was caught out of position once too often.
    Gabriel Magalhaes – 4
    Struggled like his centre-back partner, although was not afforded a great deal of help by his full-backs and midfielders.
    Arsenal did well to claw the game back but Bournemouth looked dangerous all afternoon.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – 4
    Looked tired at times, especially when he was caught high up the pitch and Bournemouth countered.
    His usual incisive passing and runs were mooted as well and he was often sloppy in possession.
    Thomas Partey – 6
    Clearly not quite back to his pre-injury best when he could claim to be the best midfielder in the Premier League.
    However, Partey was at the centre of everything Arsenal did and he scored a vital goal to set the Gunners on the comeback trail.
    Martin Odegaard – 6
    Like the rest of his midfield, appeared unwilling – or unable – to really make those recovery runs when his team needed him.
    His passing wasn’t quite so sharp as it has been in recent games, but he was always a threat and always looking for a dangerous ball.
    Fabio Vieira – 6
    Given his lack of Premier League football it was clear Vieira was desperate to impress and he certainly looked a lot more lively and energetic than a number of his team-mates.
    However, his quality was lacking occasionally, but it wasn’t a bad performance in only his second Premier League start.
    Bukayo Saka – 6
    Saka is so often the man Arsenal look to when they need some magic but he was found wanting today.
    Bournemouth left-back Jordan Zemura was relishing his battle with Saka and when he went off, Ryan Fredericks also proved he was up to the task.
    Bukayo Saka didn’t have the best afternoonCredit: AFP
    Gabriel Martinelli – 7
    He looked the most likely of any Arsenal player to score but, for once, he left his shooting boots at home.
    Made a number of penetrating runs and had a couple of decent chances – but failed to find the target.
    Leandro Trossard – N/A
    Lasted just 20 minutes before succumbing to an injury – huge blow for Arteta especially with Eddie Nketiah also injured this week.
    SUBS:
    Emile Smith Rowe (for Trossard, 21) – 5
    Came on for the injured Trossard only to last around 45 minutes himself – not clear if he was injured or just on a minutes restriction.
    Provided the goal for Partey’s opener with a lofted ball back into the box, but looked well off the pace and his best.
    Ben White (for Tomiyasu, half-time) – 8
    More content to sit back than Tomiyasu had been, giving the Gunners a bit more stability at the back.
    When he did pick his moment to go forward, made the absolute most of it, volleying in his first goal for the club to equalise.
    Reiss Nelson (for Smith Rowe, 68) – 9
    Talk about instant impact – his first touch was to get it out of his feet inside the box and his second was to fire it across for White to volley in.
    His introduction and direct running style really allowed Arsenal to pile forward in the latter stages and he was the hero as he fired home a brilliant winning goal with essentially the last kick of the game.
    Read More on The Sun
    Reiss Nelson was the hero for the GunnersCredit: EPA
    Granit Xhaka (for Vieira, 84) – N/A
    Came on late to try and inject a bit of quality into the midfield.
    Subs not used: Turner, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Holding, Jorginho. More

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    Arsenal 3 Bournemouth 2 LIVE RESULT: Nelson with rocket in INJURY-TIME as Gunners complete incredible comeback

    REISS NELSON scored in the 97th-minute as Arsenal fought back to beat Bournemouth 3-2!The Gunners recovered from being 2-0 down and conceded after just 10 seconds as they were caught napping straight from the kick-off.
    Before super-sub Nelson fired in a rocket deep in injury time to maintain Arsenals five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

    Result: Arsenal 3 Bournemouth 2
    Arsenal team: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Partey, Vieira, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.
    Bournemouth team: Neto, Smith, Mepham, Stephans, Senesi, Zemura, Ouattara, Rothwell, Billing, Semenyo, Solanke.

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    Stay up to date with all the action at the Emirates…
    That’s all from London
    Arsenal produced a fantastic Premier League comeback to beat Bournemouth 3-2 at the Emirates.
    The Cherries opened the scoring after just nine seconds when Dango Ouattara delivered a low cross from the right and found Philip Billing who hit the back of the net after Dominic Solanke cleverly let the ball through to him.
    Gary O’Neil’s men doubled their lead on 57 minutes with Jack Rothwell’s fantastic corner-kick finding an unmarked Marcos Senesi, who headed it past Aaron Ramsdale.
    But the Gunners fought back and got one in just five minutes later when Emile Smith Rowe’s header set Thomas Partey up in front of Neto.
    The North Londoners equalised in the 70th minute with the incoming Reiss Nelson setting fellow substitute Ben White, who finished from close range.
    And Nelson completed a dream match in the final play of the game as his thunderous left-footed shot from the edge of the area sealed the win for the hosts in the seventh minute of stoppage time
    Credit: Getty
    Reiss Nelson future
    Arsenal ace Reiss Nelson put together his best ever match with the club as he produced an assist and scored the winner.
    Nelson’s contract with the Gunners runs out in June and his future is uncertain.
    According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, however, the winger’s future will be decided soon.
    And the 23-year-old would ” love” to stay at the Emirates
    Credit: EPA
    Gary O’Neil reacts
    Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil described Arsenal as the “best team in the league” after their comeback win at the Emirates.
    The Cherries’ boss added that he is proud of his players for the fight they put together against the Premier League leaders.
    O’Neil said: “They’re the best team in the league.
    “I don’t think many people would have expected us to come here and trouble Arsenal but we did and we came up just short”
    Credit: Getty
    Arsenal’s comeback win
    Arsenal haven’t completed a comeback win like today’s for 11 years!
    The Gunners won a Premier League game in which they trailed by two goals for the first time since February 2012 against Tottenham.
    The North Londoners went on to win 5-2 against rivals Spurs that day.
    Arsenal had gone winless in 65 such games prior to today’s game at the Emirates
    Credit: PA
    Mikel Arteta reacts
    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described his team’s comeback as the “best” win.
    Arteta said: “[I feel] Incredibly happy. That was just mad. Those feelings of happiness, joy and a result we fully deserved to get.
    “I’m really proud of the players. I had a feeling we would come back as the players were taking the initiative.
    “Now it’s the best [win]. It’s because of the emotion and sharing those moments with your crowd and your players”
    Credit: Reuters
    Billing makes history
    Bournemouth ace Philip Billing made history with his opener against Arsenal.
    Billing scored after just nine seconds and netted the second fastest goal in Premier League history.
    Southampton hero Shane Long still holds the record after his goal against Watford within seven seconds.
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    Zinchenko owns left side
    Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko absolutely dominated the left side against Bournemouth.
    As the heat map shows below, Zinchenko was absolutely lethal in attack.
    The left-back was also effective when switching to defence.
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    Updated Premier League table
    Arsenal maintained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
    Manchester City, who beat Newcastle earlier, were hoping to cut the deficit down to two or three points while watching Bournemouth giving Mikel Arteta’s men a hard time.
    But Reiss Nelson’s winner kept the Cherries in the relegation zone.
    Gary O’Neil’s men are second from last, but still just one point away from safety.
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    Arsenal vs Bournemouth stats
    Arsenal dominated a staggering 81 per cent of possession against Bournemouth.
    The Gunners registered a whopping total of 30 shots, but only nine of them were on target.
    The Cherries, on the other hand, produced four shots, all of which were on target,
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    FT: Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
    Arsenal produced a fantastic Premier League comeback to beat Bournemouth at the Emirates.
    The Cherries opened the scoring after just nine seconds when Dango Ouattara delivered a low cross from the right and found Philip Billing who hit the back of the net after Dominic Solanke cleverly let the ball through.
    Gary O’Neil’s men doubled their lead on 57 minutes with Jack Rothwell’s fantastic corner-kick finding Marcos Senesi, who headed it past Aaron Ramsdale.
    But the Gunners fought back and got one in just five minutes later when Emile Smith Rowe’s header set Thomas Partey up from close distance.
    The North Londoners equalised in the 70th minute with the incoming Reiss Nelson setting fellow sub Ben White, who finished from close range.
    And Nelson completed a dream match in the final play of the match as his thunderous left-footed shot from the edge of the area sealed the win for the hosts in the seventh minute of stoppage time
    Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    FT: Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
    Peep!
    That’s full-time in London!!!
    90+8 Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
    What a cracking finisher by Nelson, who finally gets his Arsenal moment!
    The winger picks the ball up at the edge of the area after a failed corner-kick.
    The Arsenal academy graduate fires a thunderous left-footed shot to seal a fantastic comeback!

    90+8 Arsenal 3-2 Bournemouth
    Goal!
    Arsenal win it with Nelson!!!
    90+7 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Chance!
    Arsenal star Zinchenko shoots but it is deflected and earns a corner.
    That will be the last attack of the match
    90+5 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Chance
    Arsenal ace Nelson shoots from the edge of the box and Neto picks it up with ease.
    The Bournemouth keeper is now taking his time…
    90+4 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Arsenal have slowed down a bit and Bournemouth are taking their time.
    But the Gunners are still pushing on
    90+2 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Bournemouth are looking to waste some time with Neto their top player in that department.
    Smith is now down but gets right back up to his feet
    90 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Six more minutes of added time to go.
    Arteta wanted seven, but oh well…
    88 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Chance
    Another shot by Arsenal captain Odegaard goes wide, the playmaker has missed quite a few shots…
    86 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Yellow card
    Bournemouth ace Mepham is booked for a rough tackle on Matinelli.
    Arsenal want more…
    84 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Substitution
    Arsenal boss Arteta is pushing for victory with the experienced Xhaka replacing Vieira
    82 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Substitution
    Some more fresh legs for Bournemouth as O’Neil brings on Christie, who replaces Ouattara
    81 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Hang on, VAR is checking for a potential penalty for Arsenal…
    Another potential handball, this time from Billing, but VAR waives it off!
    80 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Arsenal are constantly protesting for a hand-ball inside the Bournemouth area.
    But the referee and VAR aren’t convinced – 10 exciting minutes to go
    78 Arsenal 2-2 Bournemouth
    Arsenal boss Arteta took Smith Rowe out, shortly after he was brought in as a substitute himself…
    And the playmaker, who has dealt with injury this season, wasn’t happy
    Credit: Getty
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    Arsenal 3 Bournemouth 2: Nelson scores in added injury time as Gunners fight back from second fastest Prem goal ever

    ONE DOWN after nine seconds, one ahead with the final kick of the game… Arsenal are not giving up their title dreams without one hell of a scrap.Reiss Nelson’s 97th minute winner sparked scenes of absolute pandemonium at the Emirates as Mikel Arteta’s men clawed their way back from two goals down right at the death.
    Reiss Nelson crashed home the winner for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    Ben White levelled the score earlier in the second halfCredit: Getty
    Poor marking allowed Marcos Senesi to head the ball towards goal unopposedCredit: Reuters
    Even Arteta could not contain his joy as he piled into the mass celebrations at the final whistle.
    And Nelson, a second-half replacement for first-half sub Emile Smith Rowe, will probably never score a more important goal in his life.
    It means their five-point lead at the top of the table is restored following Manchester City’s lunchtime win over Newcastle.
    But, boy, did they leave it late before seeing off a Bournemouth team who fought with all their hearts yet departed North London even deeper in relegation trouble.
    It was an absolute sickener for Cherries boss Gary O’Neil but one he probably cannot complain about after Nelson struck gold with Arsenal’s 31st shot of this extraordinary match.
    They also had 17 corners and 81 percent possession yet still managed to put their fans through the emotional wringer before Nelson chested down Martin Odegaard’s last gasp corner to curl an unstoppable left footer into the top corner.
    Many of those supporters hadn’t even taken their seats when their team was a goal behind before a single Arsenal player had even touched the ball.
    Bournemouth lined up to kick-off with six players stretched across the halfway line on the left-hand side of the pitch.
    Most read in Football
    But that was a cunning ploy because the ball was played to Dango Ouattara out on the right wing and he was able to run virtually unchallenged before delivering a low cross into the box.
    Yet it only became an issue for Arsenal when Gabriel Magalhaes allowed the ball to slip under his boot to leave Philip Billing the freedom of the penalty area to pick his spot with just 9.11 seconds on the clock.
    It wasn’t quite the quickest goal in Premier League history – that was scored in just 7.96 seconds by Shane Long for Southampton in 2019.
    But it was pretty damn close to a record – and not one anyone of an Arsenal persuasion wanted to claim.
    Even the relegation-haunted Bournemouth players looked stunned to find themselves ahead at the home of the Premier League leaders.
    Yet it wasn’t the first time they had scored directly from the kick-off. They did the same thing in the Championship against Fulham last season.
    And what that goal out of the blue allowed them to do was to withdraw everyone behind the ball and turn their penalty area into the football equivalent of Waterloo Station at rush hour.
    Arsenal being Arsenal, of course, they still tried to pass their way through all the traffic and almost found an immediate route to goal in the fourth minute.
    But Odegaard’s low shot was clawed out at full stretch by Neto and the Brazilian keeper was able to clamber to his feet to block Bukayo Saka’s follow-up with his chest.
    And Arsenal’s problems intensified when Leandro Trossard limped off midway through the first-half to leave Arteta without a recognised striker.
    With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already ruled out by injury, that could prove to be a real problem in the coming weeks.
    In fact, the visitors should have been even further ahead at the break after repeatedly catching Arsenal on the counter attack.
    Their best opportunity came in the 20th minute when Dominic Solanke and Billing raced away to tee up Ouattara for a shot which demanded a crucial save from the isolated Aaron Ramsdale.
    Yet Arsenal failed to learn their lessons from that close escape and were caught on the break again in the 43rd minute, but this time Solanke’s final pass to Ouattara was overhit and went out for a goal-kick.
    Arsenal were convinced they should have had a 34th minute penalty when Chris Mepham completely misjudged an attempted header and the ball dropped onto the top of his outstretched arm.
    But as no-one understands the handball rule any more, their appeals were waved away by VAR John Brooks, the man who was removed from Premier League duties last month when he drew the offside lines from the wrong player to deny Brighton a winning goal at Crystal Palace.
    And that was to prove the least of Arsenal’s worries when they fell further behind in the 57th minute following Bournemouth’s first corner of the match.
    Joe Rothwell’’s delivery picked out Marcos Senesi bursting ahead of Thomas Partey and the Argentine defender’s header was too powerful for even Ramsdale to keep out.
    Yet Arsenal have not got to the top of the league without spirit and character and refused to concede defeat even when all looked lost.
    They were back within touching distance in the 62nd minute when Partey volleyed in at the back post after Neto’s clearing punch had been headed back into the mix by Smith Rowe.
    And eight minutes later they were all square again when Nelson’s cross picked out Ben White arriving like an express train to hammer home his first goal of the season.
    Read More on The Sun
    That was Nelson’s first kick of the game just seconds after he had replaced Smith Rowe.
    But it was his final touch which might just prove decisive in the final reckoning. More

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    Rio Ferdinand reveals why he stopped speaking to Frank Lampard despite pair coming through ranks together at West Ham

    RIO FERDINAND has admitted he “didn’t speak” to Frank Lampard after they both left West Ham.And it wasn’t an argument that saw them stop talking, but instead the regular pursuit of silverware at Manchester United and Chelsea.
    Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand played together at West HamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Ferdinand later joined Manchester United, via LeedsCredit: Getty
    Lampard left West Ham in 2001 to sign for ChelseaCredit: EPA
    The pair broke into the Hammers’ first-team together before moving on to pastures new.
    It was Ferdinand who left first, initially to Leeds in 2000, and then to United two years later.
    Lampard meanwhile made the move across London to Chelsea in 2001.
    Speaking on BT Sport about competing against friends, Ferdinand said: “It does [impact your friendships]. 
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    “It is well documented Frank Lampard and I grew up together at West Ham.
    “When he went to Chelsea and I went to Manchester United, we didn’t speak.
    “It wasn’t a conversation or a fallout, he was focused on winning as many trophies as possible and I was as well.
    “It happens. Some relationships stay the same.”
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    Ferdinand won six Premier League titles, the Champions League and three League Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
    Meanwhile Lampard won the Champions League, three Prem titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and the Europa League with the Blues.
    Ferdinand and Lampard continued to play together for England, making 81 and 106 caps for the Three Lions, respectively.
    But Ferdinand admitted going their separate ways at club level saw their relationship take a hit.
    Lampard and Ferdinand continued to play alongside each other for EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Ferdinand has moved into punditry after hanging up his bootsCredit: Rex
    Lampard has spent time as boss of Derby County, Chelsea and Everton after retiring as a playerCredit: AP More

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    Chelsea ratings: Ben Chilwell impresses at wing-back but Kai Havertz’s woes in front of goal continue vs Leeds

    CHELSEA produced an improved performance as they fought to a priceless 1-0 victory over Leeds at Stamford Bridge.Boss Graham Potter went into the match under mounting pressure.
    Graham Potter went into the match desperate for a winCredit: AFP
    The former Brighton manager came out fighting pre-match, insisting that he felt the support of the board.
    But the mood around Chelsea appeared to be an ominous one going into today’s must-win game.
    The Blues started each half far more on the front foot than in recent clashes with Tottenham and particularly Southampton.
    Wesley Fofana’s 53rd minute header calmed the nerves around Stamford Bridge, and proved enough to hand Potter’s men a vital three points.
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    SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Chelsea performer on the day.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
    Virtually a spectator in the first half.
    Fortunate to get away with fumbling a Leeds cut-back, albeit with the flag subsequently going up.
    Wesley Fofana – 7
    Headed Ben Chilwell’s inviting 12th minute corner over the bar, but would put that right in the second-half. Required treatment after being clattered by Luke Ayling.
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    Scored a precious, rare Chelsea goal on 53 minutes, heading home Chilwell’s out-swinging corner. Booked for preventing a counter-attack.
    Wesley Fofana heads home a rare Chelsea goalCredit: Getty
    Kalidou Koulibaly – 7
    Some cumbersome moments early on but also produced a crucial last-ditch challenge towards the end of the first half and was solid in the second.
    Senegalese defender will have to be a leader at the back with Thiago Silva out for up to six weeks.
    Benoit Badiashile – 7
    Frenchman looks a steal at £35million from Monaco.
    The 21-year-old looks tailor-made for the Premier League and an ideal fit for the left of a back three.
    Benoit Badiashile and Kalidou Koulibaly tussle for possessionCredit: AP
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
    Deployed at right wing-back in Reece James’ absence, the England international curled in some inviting crosses.
    Would much rather be stationed in midfield, but Loftus-Cheek is capable of doing a decent job on the flank.
    Mateo Kovacic – 6
    Croatian was given the captain’s armband in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta, Reece James and Thiago Silva.
    Midfielder put himself about without making a huge impression on the match.
    Enzo Fernandez – 7
    Tried to get Chelsea on the front foot by haring after Leeds’ midfielders.
    The Argentine will grow into his role at Stamford Bridge, and is already displaying signs of class.
    Enzo battled hard in midfieldCredit: Getty
    Ben Chilwell – 8
    Always an outlet on the left flank. Stabbed a brilliant chance wide on the half hour.
    Chilwell provided brilliant set-piece deliveries all day, with Fofana heading one home in the 53rd minute.
    Ben Chilwell was a brilliant outlet on the left flankCredit: AFP
    Raheem Sterling – 7
    Excellent cut-back to Joao Felix, with the Portuguese striking the bar. Prodded a glorious chance over right at the start of the second-half.
    Provided exceptional direct running at the Leeds defence, if not quite the end product.
    Joao Felix – 7
    Desperately unlucky not to break the deadlock on 22 minutes, winning the ball back in his own half before striking the crossbar from the edge of the box later in the move.
    The Portuguese loanee was bright and provided plenty of energy and moments of quality before being replaced by Conor Gallagher.
    Joao Felix strikes the crossbarCredit: Reuters
    Kai Havertz – 5
    Wasted a 15th minute one-on-one after being played in by Raheem Sterling, seeing his chipped effort stopped by Illan Meslier.
    Things aren’t falling for the German at the moment, and he again failed to leave much of an impression this afternoon.
    Kai Havertz chips a shot at Illan MeslierCredit: Alamy
    Substitutes
    Conor Gallagher (for Felix, 68 ) – 6
    Countered brilliantly before trying to tee up Chukwuemeka. Plenty of direct running.
    Denis Zakaria (for Sterling, 68) – 5
    Didn’t make much of an impression after coming on.
    Carney Chukwuemeka (for Kovacic, 75) – 5
    Tired to cut inside when a shot appeared to be on.
    Noni Madueke (for Fernandez, 84) – N/A
    Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
    Trevoh Chalobah (Loftus-Cheek, 84) – N/A
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    Came on to shore up the Blues’ back line late on.
    Subs not used: Bettinelli, Mudryk, Ziyech, Aubameyang More