There was little riding on Arsenal’s final game of the Premier League season. The Gunners could finish no higher than eighth and the focus was mostly on Watford’s attempt to avoid relegation.
Inevitably, Mikel Arteta and his players will have already started looking ahead to next weekend’s FA Cup final. That was probably the reason behind a less than convincing second-half display, as the visitors pushed for an equaliser having been 3-0 down.
For the players, though, this was much more than a meaningless, end-of-season game. Everyone in an Arsenal shirt would have been determined to impress and give themselves the best chance of starting against Chelsea at Wembley. Some did that better than others.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang got the plaudits again for his brace, and he will certainly be the focal point again in attack as the Gunners look to win their 14th FA Cup.
But there was another player who caught the eye as a second-half substitute. Reiss Nelson, given the opportunity to showcase his ability in a brief cameo, looked lively and a real threat on the right wing, a constant menace on the break for a tired Watford defence.
Adam Masina, Watford’s left-back, certainly didn’t enjoy the 20 minutes or so during which he was tasked with dealing with the youngster, who might consider himself unlucky if he’s not involved in the FA Cup final, even if only from the bench again.
Nelson is still only 20, with plenty yet to learn. But he is at one of the best clubs to further his development and playing under a coach who has already made clear his intention to give youth a chance.
It was interesting, too, to compare his display to that of Nicolas Pepe, who Nelson replaced with 72 minutes on the clock. The Frenchman’s performance was almost an encapsulation of his season: moments of promise, glimpses of his ability, but inconsistent and a little underwhelming.
Nelson, meanwhile, came onto the pitch with an explosion of energy and looked far more eager than the man he replaced to earn the praise of his manager ahead of the final.
It is not the first time Nelson has impressed of late, either. He scored in the 2-1 win over champions Liverpool earlier this month, and gradually he is earning the trust of his manager.
“He is a big talent and does a lot of work behind [the scenes],” Alexandre Lacazette said of Nelson after that game. “I trust in him, he is working a lot in every training session.”
The fans are beginning to believe in another promising Arsenal youngster, too. Nelson’s cameo was the highlight of the final day of the league campaign for the Gunners, and he appears to be playing with more confidence after that first Premier League goal.
Nelson will now hope to turn these substitute appearances into more regular and consistent displays as a starter, beginning with the FA Cup final. If he can make an impact on that stage, Arsenal will know they have a big talent on their hands.
