Jack Wilshere makes Arsenal return with U23s but Reiss Nelson steals the show in Derby win

Wilshere returned to Arsenal training last month after another lengthy absence
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge15 August 2017

Jack Wilshere returned to Arsenal action for the first time in nearly a year but it was young gun Reiss Nelson who shone for the Under-23s in a 3-2 win against Derby.

Wilshere had not featured for Arsenal since playing 20 minutes at Watford on August 27 2016, after which he joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan that ended with him suffering a broken leg.

The 25-year-old, battling to prove his long-term worth to Arsene Wenger in the final 12 months of his contract, started in central midfield alongside Francis Coquelin as Steve Gatting employed the 3-4-2-1 the first-team switched to late last season.

That saw Nelson take the right wing-back role he had shone in during the senior side’s pre-season fixtures and the 17-year-old continued his fine form with an excellent brace.

A smart volley on the hour brought Arsenal back into the contest after Derby had claimed a 2-0 lead but the best was yet to come, Nelson embarking on a brilliant solo run from the left channel before firing a strike in off the post.

Eddie Nketiah scored Arsenal’s winner as they began their Premier League 2 campaign with a win. The Gunners' next match will take them to the Emirates Stadium on August 21, where they host Manchester City.

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