Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta showed signs similar to that of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson as Reiss Nelson scored a last-gasp winner against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were 2-0 behind at half-time before scoring three goals in the second half to take all three points and maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.
Leandro Trossard was taken off with a suspected injury and replaced by Emile Smith Rowe - with the Hale End graduate grabbing an assist for Thomas Partey's strike to make it 2-1. Smith Rowe was then taken off in the 69th minute for Nelson as Arteta made the bold call to substitute a substitute as the Gunners searched for an equaliser.
That decision quickly paid off as Nelson assisted Ben White's equaliser before scoring a brilliant last-minute goal in injury time. The Emirates Stadium went crazy with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Magalhaes falling to the ground in relief, whilst William Saliba kicked a corner flag amidst the chaos as players, staff and supporters all celebrated the crucial winner.
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Just moments before the six minutes of additional time had been announced, Arteta was seen gesturing the number seven towards the fourth official regarding the amount of added time he expected. Manchester United were known for their late wins and comebacks under Ferguson, with many referring to injury time as 'Fergie time'.
It looks as though Arteta has taken a leaf out of the United legend's book by trying to influence officials and it helped his team secure a vital win in the Premier League title race this afternoon. It also highlighted the change in mentality at Arsenal with the north Londoners now having come from behind to win on four separate occasions since the World Cup in Qatar halted Premier League action in November and December.
The attitude to never give up despite time being against them is one of the main factors behind Arsenal's success this season as they claimed their 20th victory in the Premier League, and potentially their most important win so far after City had hurdled a tough test against Newcastle earlier today. City dropped points against Nottingham Forest a few weeks ago after Arsenal secured a late win against Aston Villa and the Gunners looked to suffer the same fate as Pep Guardiola's side this afternoon, up until Nelson fired home and snatched all three points.
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