Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Martin Keown has told BT Sport that “something is not right” with Arsenal summer signing Willian but has predicted Mikel Arteta’s decision to use Reiss Nelson over the Brazilian to get the best out of the ex-Chelsea star.
Nelson, 20, started ahead of Willian on Thursday as the Gunners eased past Rapid Vienna 4-1. The summer addition from Chelsea replaced Nelson just after the hour mark, after Nelson laid on an assist for Eddie Nketiah.
Willian scored 11 goals and created nine more last season for Chelsea but has failed to recapture his form for Arsenal – failing to net in his 11 Gunners outings. Keown is so far unconvinced, commenting on Willian on Thursday night.
Keown thinks that while Willian is a better player than Nelson, the latter is showing more “enthusiasm” than the South American winger. He thinks Arteta’s decision to play Nelson could bring the best out of Willian going forward.
“I like Nelson, I like his energy,” Keown told BT Sport’s coverage of Arsenal’s win over Rapid Vienna (22:05). “You have to look at Willian and say he is a better player, but he is not playing with the same enthusiasm.
“Something is not right with Willian, and he put Nelson in front of him and I think that’s right. That might get the best out of Willian in the future.”
TBR’s view – Should Willian start against Tottenham?
Or does Nelson deserve to be given the nod on Sunday evening? Spurs are on fire in the Premier League at the moment, looking defensively solid but also more than pungent in attack. Arsenal have their work cut out.
The Gunners will have limited chances and if they do get a moment to put the ball in the back of the net, they need experienced heads with composure to net. Nelson wasted Arsenal’s best chance to equalise against Wolves last week.
Willian is yet to score for Arsenal but class is permanent and the veteran certainly comes up trumps on the biggest stage. He should be given the nod, but Nelson is certainly knocking on the door.
Receive weekly football news and updates to your mailbox