Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has been the recipient of plenty of praise in the past day as his late strike saw the Gunners earn all three points over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium. The academy graduate underpinned everything the side has been over the past campaign, showing plenty of character after some tough setbacks.
The home side went a goal behind in the first nine seconds of the game, caught off guard as the Cherries picked the Gunners apart from kick-off, allowing Phillip Billing to open the scoring. That lead was doubled in the second half through Marcos Senesi, only adding to the challenge for the home side.
They responded almost immediately though as Thomas Partey and Ben White found the back of the net in a quickfire double for the side. A third goal seemed to be elusive to them right up until the final action of the game, deep into added time as Nelson's strike from the edge of the box nestled into the corner.
READ MORE: 'Dream is becoming reality' - National media give verdict on Arsenal's late win over Bournemouth
Emotions ran wild both on and off the pitch with many unsure quite what to do with their outpouring of joy in such a crucial moment of the game. That alone seemed to encapsulate just how important that strike could be in deciding the title race by the end of the season.
Plenty of former Gunners reacted to it as well, with Paul Merson covering the game for Sky Sports saying: "Nelson going for a shot... what a goal! What a goal! What a goal! It's Reiss Nelson who has scored the goal, what a goal! Comes out to the edge of the box and I've said he's got a free shot. He lands it and its a half volley across and it flies in the far corner and Arsenal go five [points] clear [of Manchester City] again."
Another star of yesteryear in Ian Wright was also filmed reacting to the late strike, declaring his love for Nelson after the goal after he was seen jumping around. In a post on social media, he was seen saying: "Reiss! Yes! No way, oh Reiss, I love you Reiss!"
The reaction shows just how important the goal may be to Arsenal in their bid to win the Premier League title once again this season.
READ NEXT:
What Reiss Nelson did to copy Cristiano Ronaldo after stunning Arsenal comeback vs Bournemouth
Arsenal player ratings vs Bournemouth as Reiss Nelson grabs chance but Smith Rowe poor
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Reiss Nelson's impact, Bournemouth win and Trossard's injury
Shearer and Given agree on penalty mistake during Arsenal vs Bournemouth amid four VAR checks
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
