Nelson’s game-winning goal against Bournemouth sealed Arsenal’s comeback
Arsenal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday thanks to a stoppage-time winner by Reiss Nelson. The Gunners dominated possession but fell behind to Christian Benteke’s header before Nicolas Pepe’s stunning solo effort leveled the scores. The match looked set to end in a draw until Nelson’s late heroics sent the Emirates Stadium into raptures.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace: Match Report
Arsenal started the match brightly, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hitting the post early on. However, it was Crystal Palace who took the lead in the 18th minute when Benteke headed in Andros Townsend’s cross.
Arsenal responded well and deservedly equalized in the 32nd minute when Pepe scored a brilliant solo goal. The Ivorian picked up the ball on the right flank, cut inside, and curled a stunning effort into the top corner of the net.
The second half was a more even affair, with both teams creating chances. Arsenal came close to taking the lead when Granit Xhaka’s free-kick hit the post, while Palace also had their opportunities.
However, it was Nelson who proved to be the hero, scoring a vital winner in the third minute of stoppage time. The young winger collected the ball on the edge of the box, took a touch, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net to secure all three points for the Gunners.
Benteke Heads Palace into the Lead
Crystal Palace took a surprise lead in the 18th minute when Benteke rose highest to head in Townsend’s cross. It was a well-executed goal by the Belgian striker, who netted his sixth goal of the season.
Despite falling behind, Arsenal continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Aubameyang hitting the post shortly after Benteke’s goal.
Pepe Scores Brilliant Solo Goal to Equalize
Arsenal’s persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Pepe scored a stunning solo goal to level the scores. The winger picked up the ball on the right flank, cut inside, and curled an exquisite shot into the top corner of the net.
It was a moment of magic from the Ivorian, who scored his eighth goal of the season and gave Arsenal the lift they needed.
Xhaka and Benteke Go Close in Second Half
The second half was a more even affair, with both teams creating chances. Arsenal came close to taking the lead when Xhaka’s free-kick hit the post in the 75th minute.
Palace also had their opportunities, with Benteke and Wilfried Zaha both going close. However, it was Arsenal who found the winner in the dying seconds of the match.
Nelson Scores Crucial Winner for Arsenal
In the third minute of stoppage time, Nelson scored the vital winner to secure all three points for Arsenal. The young winger picked up the ball on the edge of the box, took a touch, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
It was a moment of pure ecstasy for the Gunners, who celebrated wildly with Nelson after the final whistle. The win moves Arsenal up to 10th place in the Premier League, just four points behind seventh-placed Everton.
Bullet Points:
- Arsenal dominated possession, with 59% of possession, but fell behind to Christian Benteke’s header in the 18th minute.
- Nicolas Pepe scored a brilliant solo goal in the 32nd minute to equalize for Arsenal.
- Granit Xhaka’s free-kick hit the post in the second half, while Benteke and Zaha went close for Crystal Palace.
- Reiss Nelson scored a last-gasp winner in the third minute of stoppage time to secure all three points for Arsenal.
- The win moves Arsenal up to 10th place in the Premier League, just four points behind seventh-placed Everton.
FAQs:
Q: Who scored the winning goal for Arsenal? A: Reiss Nelson scored the winning goal for Arsenal in the third minute of stoppage time.
Q: Who scored the equalizer for Arsenal? A: Nicolas Pepe scored the equalizer for Arsenal in the 32nd minute with a stunning solo effort.
Q: What was the final score of the match? A: The final score was Arsenal 2-1 Crystal Palace.
Arsenal secured a vital win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, with Reiss Nelson scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner in stoppage time. The Gunners dominated possession but fell behind to Benteke’s header before Pepe’s brilliant solo effort leveled the scores. Xhaka hit the post in the second half, but it was Nelson who proved to be the hero, securing all three points for Arsenal and moving them up to 10th place in the Premier League. It was a crucial victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, who will hope to build on this result in the coming weeks.
