Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reflected on his team’s ‘mad’ 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, while also revealing how he is ‘so happy’ for one player.

Arteta was left stunned when Bournemouth took the lead just nine seconds after kick off. The Cherries flew out of the blocks and Philip Billing was there to finish when Arsenal failed to deal with a cross. The goal is the second-fastest in Premier League history.

Bournemouth should have doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Billing played in Dango Ouattara after Dominic Solanke had caught Arsenal on the break. Ouattara’s shot was saved brilliantly at point-blank range by Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal thought they should have been given a penalty in the 36th minute when Chris Mepham misjudged a header and the ball hit his arm, but VAR checked it and nothing was given.

Bournemouth went into the break 1-0 up. And they got a crucial second goal when Marcos Senesi got away from Thomas Partey and headed home from a Joe Rothwell corner.

But Partey made up for his error by scoring for Arsenal five minutes later. Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto punched away a corner but Emile Smith Rowe headed it back towards goal and Partey was on hand to finish.

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And Arsenal were level by the 70th minute. Substitutes Reiss Nelson and Ben White combined and the latter finished with a composed first-time effort.

Arsenal then stole all three points deep into stoppage time when Nelson scored a brilliant winner. A corner was headed to the edge of the box and Nelson was there to chest the ball down before firing into the net on his left foot.

Arsenal make it four wins on the bounce

Bournemouth had no time to equalise and Arsenal picked up their fourth straight victory.

During a post-match interview with BBC Sport, Arteta labelled the game ‘mad’ and expressed his delight for match-winner Nelson. “I’m incredibly happy. It was just mad,” he said. “Those feelings of happiness and joy. It was a really special way [to win] and it took until the last second to earn it. I am really proud of them [the players].

“They never gave up. There is nothing like sharing those great moments with your people. I’m so happy for him [Nelson].

“It’s just another game, another three points,. To win three games in a week [Leicester, Everton, Bournemouth] is very important. We want to stay there [at the top] for as long as possible. There are still a lot of games to play but that’s the beauty of it.”

In an interview with BBC Match of the Day, Nelson said: “When the ball came out to me I was thinking ‘please give me one chance’. I’m buzzing, really happy. I controlled it with my right foot and it came onto my left.

“We need moments like this if we want to go all the way. We’re not looking at any other team at the minute. We are focusing on ourselves. We will keep going day-by-day, game-by-game. As an Arsenal fan, I’m just delighted with the result.”

Meanwhile, Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal are leading Tottenham in the race to sign a Bundesliga creator.

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