Reiss Nelson might not receive medal if Arsenal win the Premier League despite Bournemouth winner

Arsenal star Reiss Nelson may have scored Arsenal's most important goal of the season, but he might not qualify for a winners' medal should the Gunners go on to lift the title.

Mikel Arteta's side are in pole position to lift the Premier League trophy, having calved out an eight point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

Despite struggling for regular game time this season, Nelson produced a potentially title defining moment against Bournemouth.

The 23-year-old came off the bench to score in the dying embers of stoppage time, completing a stunning 3-2 comeback at the Emirates.

But despite his heroics, Nelson may be left empty handed at the end of the season.

Nelson might not receive winners' medal

Due to the Premier League's strict rulings which came into force during the 2012-13 season, players need to have played a minimum of five matches to qualify for a winners' medal.

Nelson has only managed four league appearances this term, needing one more to ensure he is eligible for a medal.

However, Arteta will presumably play him again, with still 10 games left before the end of the campaign. Whilst the Gunners boss is bound to use him if the title is secured before the final day.

Nelson's last gasp winner against Bournemouth has created a winning feeling among fans, knowing that it could be a moment they look back on in years to come.

Discussing the Englishman's goal after the game, Arteta said: “It was an extraordinary day and a beautiful experience at the end. Dramatic, but worth living it because there was the greatest end to it.

“I always saw the potential, the talent and the desire for him to do it but he’s at a different level right now,” he added.

“I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him. He was knocking on the door, he’s been training really well and it’s a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him.”

Should Arsenal be crowned champions in just over three months time, supporters will never forget Nelson's contribution.

Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno