Reiss Nelson was the hero for Arsenal as his 97th-minute sealed an astonishing Gunners comeback from 2-0 down to a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.
A bizarre encounter at a raucous Emirates Stadium began with the Cherries taking the lead after just nine seconds, as a well-worked kick-off routine was finished by Philip Billing at the back post.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the possession and chances against the relegation threatened side, holding 80 per cent of the ball and mustered 30 shots on goal overall – but fell further behind to Marco Senesi’s header from a corner.
But Arsenal’s young side were not to be disheartened as they levelled the game with two goals in seven minutes after the hour mark. Both goals came from unlikely sources as Partey tapped home at the back post from Emile Smith Rowe’s header, before White finished Nelson’s cross.
And as Arsenal huffed and puffed for a winner, Nelson curled home with the last kick of the game to spark bedlam at the Emirates, with the Gunners’ five-point lead at the top of the table maintained.
Arsenal travel to Portugal to take on Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday. The Gunners then return to Premier League action with a trip to Fulham next Sunday
Up next for Bournemouth is a Premier League home match against Liverpool next Saturday. Gary O’Neil’s side then travel to Aston Villa on March 18
