Mikel Arteta says 22-year-old Arsenal player ’causes a problem every day’ in training

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Mikel Arteta has been speaking to Viaplay Fotball and says Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson ‘causes a problem every day’ in training.

Nelson made his first Premier League appearance of the season yesterday as he replaced the injured Bukayo Saka just before half-time.

The Gunners were one goal to the good coming out for the second-half after Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring inside five minutes.

But a quickfire brace from Nelson right after the break put Arteta’s men on their way to a 5-0 win. The 22-year-old also set-up Thomas Partey and put in a really impressive display in north London.

And Arteta says the youngster has been pushing for a place in the starting line-up in recent weeks.

Arteta on Nelson

“He causes a problem every day because he’s really pushing, he has matured and evolved as well as a professional and a player,” Arteta told Viaplay Fotball after yesterday’s win.

“He is someone we really like in the group, not only me but all the staff and players as well, and you could see the reaction when he scored a goal.”

Arsenal’s front-three in Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli and Saka have been firing this season.

Nelson had found opportunities in the Premier League hard to come but he could now get his chance after Saka’s injury.

The England international was forced off after suffering a heavy blow to his ankle yesterday but Nelson certainly impressed from the bench.

The one major question over Arsenal’s current form is if they can maintain it in the event of injuries to key players.

It was certainly a huge positive for Arteta that Nelson came off the bench and performed excellently in Saka’s absence.

The Spaniard will be hoping the youngster can continue to make an impact while his first-choice right-winger is sidelined.

The Gunners face a trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend and if Saka is unable to recover in time, Nelson could be in line for a start against Chelsea.