Reiss Nelson names three Arsenal examples ahead of huge Mikel Arteta chance vs West Ham
Reiss Nelson will be hoping to channel the qualities of his three Arsenal role models if Mikel Arteta names him from the start to face West Ham in the Carabao Cup. The Hale End graduate, who signed a new contract in the summer, has played just 104 minutes in Premier League and Champions League action this season with six cameo appearances.
In the previous round against Brentford, Nelson played 82 minutes and scored the winning goal after capitalising on a defensive mistake. Unfortunately, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and even Fabio Vieira appear ahead of him in the wingers pecking order which has resulted in limited minutes since that goal.
This past weekend, rare league starts were handed out to Emile Smith Rowe and Jakub Kiwior for the visit of Sheffield United to Emirates Stadium, while Nelson came on for the final 17 minutes. With Saka and Martinelli both suffering injuries this season, the attacking duo are expected to be given a rest for the trip to London Stadium.
Therefore, Nelson could be handed just his second start of the season, with the other coming in the 1-0 win over Brentford. Ahead of the game, Nelson sat down with Arsenal guest programme editor Dr Clive Nwonka in Black History Month to discuss his heritage and upbringing.
In the interview posted to Arsenal's official website, when asked about where he was brought up, Nelson said: «I’m originally from Elephant & Castle. I’m from the Aylesbury Estate – it’s massive, one of the biggest estates in Europe – but not everyone knows it, so Elephant & Castle is easier because it’s the place that everyone knows.
On whether or not he was taught about representation by his parents, he added: „Yes and no because I’m mixed race, so my mother’s parents
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