MARTIN KEOWN: Late winner against Bournemouth showed Arsenal won’t give up… Man City’s title race will go down to the wire, but there’s a special feeling around Mikel Arteta’s side
- It’s amazing how Arsenal always refuse to compromise on their style of play.
- The Gunners showed the depth of their squad in the late win over Bournemouth
- Mikel Arteta must be credited for the substitutions made against the Cherries
Arsenal’s triumph with 96 minutes and 59 seconds left unleashed an explosion of emotions. Not just at the Emirates Stadium. But also in the homes of all Arsenal fans.
My old pal Ian Wright may not have been the only one to jump off the sofa. Even Arsenal’s competitors, deep down, will have admired the spirit shown in coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
In 2003-04, the last time Arsenal won the league, we fell behind our opponents by nine games. However, we never accept defeat. We never gave up. We won six of those games and drew the other three.
Every time we produced a comeback, it made us feel like something special was happening. It brings them together as a group as they embark on a mysterious journey that could end up being the ride of a lifetime.
This is how Mikel Arteta’s players will feel now. The foundation of his success is based on belief and what’s so impressive is how he refuses to compromise on his playstyle. It’s tough to go all the way and no one in the league has scored more points from lost position than Arsenal’s 15 this season.
Arsenal’s goal with 96 minutes and 59 seconds left sparked an explosion of emotions
Academy graduate Reiss Nelson scored on the final kick of the game to win the game.
Mikel Arteta should be credited for the game-changing substitutions made against the Cherries
What was pleasing for me was seeing a youth product in Reiss Nelson living the dream of scoring the winning goal. There have been rumors that the Arsenal team is not strong enough to compete with Manchester City. I don’t think that argument can be made now. Every man is doing his part.
Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench and set up Thomas Partey for Arsenal’s first goal. Nelson then replaced Smith Rowe and assisted the second and then scored the third himself. Credit must go to the manager for those inspired substitutions.
I think this title race will go all the way. But Saturday’s late win sent a message, one that said Arsenal will never stop fighting.