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£12.5m-rated has earnt a starting berth ahead of Willian for Sunday’s NLD – Opinion

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With Willian having been dropped for Reiss Nelson ahead of today’s north London derby, can we read too much into it?

Even after his misdemeanour which saw the Brazilian fly to Dubai despite club policy warning players of the club from doing so, the Brazil international started the clash away to Leeds United. It’s pretty clear that the former Chelsea man is a bit of a favourite of Mikel Arteta.

However, that could well be about to change, and in all honesty, it’s for the better especially after the 32-year-old’s poor start to the season. No goals yet and completing only one take on is not something you expect someone, who has amassed the goals, assists and trophies of Willian.

Who should start on the right-wing versus Tottenham?

Reiss Nelson

Willian

Nelson has been given more of a look-in for both the Premier League and Europa League team in recent weeks, showing that Arteta is clearly having second thoughts about the Brazil international. The Englishman’s display last night may well have secured his starting spot for Sunday’s north London derby.

No one played more key passes than the youngster, who also completed 100% of his passes during his 60-odd minutes on the pitch. However, the best part of the £12.5m-rated ace’s game was his stunning cross into the box for Pablo Mari’s first Arsenal goal.

His early substitution alongside Alexandre Lacazette in the 64th minute could well indicate that Nelson will start against Tottenham Hotspur. With Arteta’s growing show of confidence in the 20-year-old, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the England youth international earnt a place from the start on Sunday because he fully deserves it.

In other news, the current first-team could take a hint from an invincible.

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