Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper has heaped praise on Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson after yesterday’s game.
The Gunners thrashed Forest 5-0, with the Arsenal fringer player scoring a second-half brace.
Nelson has been forced to wait patiently for a chance to shine at the Emirates Stadium.
Yesterday was the first time that he’s played in the Premier League during 2022/23 and he didn’t disappoint.
His two goals were complimented by an assist and Mikel Arteta will have been left delighted.
Cooper managed Nelson when he was in charge of the England under-17 ranks.
He scored 11 goals in 11 appearances with that age group and became a big player under the Forest head coach.
Nelson has spent time on loan overseas in recent seasons.
He was with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie last season and before that he spent some time with Hoffenheim.
Now, he has his sights firmly set on winning a Premier League place in Arteta’s team.
Cooper has heaped praise on his former player following his devastating display of finishing yesterday.
He said during his post-match press conference: “[Reiss Nelson] and I always had a strong relationship.
“He was a standout player for England U17s. It’s good to see him doing well, I just wish it wasn’t today.”
Cooper heaped praise on Nelson
There wasn’t a deal to say about his own team after yesterday’s game.
Cooper knows there is work to do as Forest remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.
The Reds have to improve and they now face two huge home games before the international break.
Nelson is an exciting talent and perhaps he will have to leave Arsenal.
Yesterday, he was only really handed a chance after Bukayo Saka went off the field with an injury.
Nelson could leave in January, however.
Clubs will be keen on signing the talented 22-year-old and it remains to be seen if Cooper might be keen.
Forest will have work to do in order to convince any players to join them in January.
They could be some points adrift by that point and some players will have reservations about joining.
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