---
title: "Unsung Hero: Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson goes under the radar in defeat to Chelsea"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/unsung-hero-arsenals-reiss-nelson-goes-under-the-radar-in-defeat-to-chelsea/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Uways Nisar"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2019-12-30T19:00:30Z"
modified: "2019-12-30T19:00:30Z"
---

# Unsung Hero: Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson goes under the radar in defeat to Chelsea

**Arsenal let a lead slip as they went down 2-1 to rivals Chelsea in a brilliant encounter with one player going under the radar with his performance.**

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Unsung-heros.png)

The Gunners took the lead from a Mesut Ozil corner as Calum Chambers headed on the ball for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to head in from close range [(via BBC)](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50882583).

However, two goals in four second-half minutes saw the Blues turn around the game to take home all three points.

First, [Jorginho](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50882583) tapped home after Bernd Leno misjudged the flight of a cross from Mason Mount for the equaliser in the 83rd minute.

And then with just three minutes of normal time left, Frank Lampard’s side counter attacked the Reds with [Tammy Abraham](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50882583) tapping home.

Aubameyang’s goal means the forward has now scored 13 Premier League goals this season, eight more than his nearest teammate, Alexandre Lacazette [(via Premier League)](https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/1/Arsenal/stats?se=274).

However, it was the performance of Reiss Nelson on the right-wing which seemed to escape the attention of the masses.

He completed the joint-third most dribbles and was the joint-most fouled player as his direct opponent Emerson Palmieri got substituted after just 34 minutes [(via WhoScored)](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1376282/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2019-2020-Arsenal-Chelsea).

As well as his attacking contribution, the England under-21 international produced the goods in defence as he made a [tackle, interception and blocked a shot](https://www.whoscored.com/Matches/1376282/LiveStatistics/England-Premier-League-2019-2020-Arsenal-Chelsea).

[Football.london](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/players/arsenal-player-ratings-mesut-ozil-17485275) agreed with this assessment as they gave Nelson a seven out of 10, commenting on his work rate.

They said: “There is still work to be done on Nelson’s final ball into the area but no-one could doubt the energy and work rate he displayed charging along the flank.”

“Particularly in the second period he served as a vital outball for the Gunners, carrying it great distances and allowing Arsenal to have a moment to breathe.”

***Arsenal fans, what did you make of Nelson’s performance? Let us know your thoughts!***