Reiss Nelson has finally made his mark at Brentford — and in some style. The Arsenal loanee produced a goal and assist on his first start for the Bees, earning praise from manager Keith Andrews after a dominant 5–0 win over Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
The winger, who joined Brentford on loan late in the summer, has endured a frustrating few months due to injury and illness. But his first full appearance since leaving Arsenal may have just reignited his season.
Keith Andrews full of praise for Nelson
Nelson’s loan switch to Brentford came late in the window as he searched for regular minutes away from the Emirates. His debut came later than planned, but the 25-year-old made up for lost time in emphatic fashion.
The England youth international opened the scoring and later turned provider before being substituted after 68 minutes — an outing that showcased his sharpness and creative flair.
Speaking after the match, Keith Andrews was full of admiration for the winger’s performance and work ethic.
“I thought he [Nelson] was really good. I just wanted him to attack it, really, just get after the game, and if he blew up, he blew up because he hasn’t got that in the tank yet. That was minutes that I needed to go full on for 90 minutes, but it’s another big step for Reiss to get him up to full speed and have no doubt Reiss will be a big player for us. He showed that tonight — his attitude was outstanding.” — Keith Andrews, via Brentford FC
Reiss Nelson match statistics
| Stat (vs Grimsby Town) | Reiss Nelson |
|---|---|
| Sofascore Rating | 8.1 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Big Chances Created | 1 |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Accurate Passes | 27/28 (96%) |
| Passes in Opposition Half | 21/22 (95%) |
| Passes in Own Half | 6/6 (100%) |
| Long Balls (Accurate) | 1/1 (100%) |
| Dribbles (Successful) | 4 (3) |
| Total Shots | 2 |
source: Sofascore – Carabao Cup, 29 October 2025
The numbers highlight a near-perfect performance from Nelson, who combined efficiency in possession with a sharp attacking edge. His 96% passing accuracy and successful dribbles underline both confidence and control in the final third.
Rediscovering form after tough spell
Nelson’s recent years have been turbulent. Despite showing flashes of brilliance at Arsenal, consistent minutes were hard to come by under Mikel Arteta. A loan spell at Fulham last season was cut short by injury, halting his progress further.
Now, at Brentford, the winger finally looks settled and focused. With this performance, he’s sent a clear message to both his parent club and his current manager that he’s ready to play a bigger role.
Our View
In our view, Reiss Nelson’s display was exactly what he needed — sharp, dynamic, and confident. He looked like a player eager to prove a point and capable of making a difference in the final third.
If he can stay fit, there’s every reason to believe this loan spell could reignite his career — either paving the way for a permanent Brentford move or a second chance at Arsenal.
Key Insights
- Reiss Nelson scores and assists in first start for Brentford.
- Keith Andrews praises his “outstanding” attitude and quality.
- 96% passing accuracy, 3/4 successful dribbles, 8.1 Sofascore rating.
- Arsenal loanee looking to rebuild confidence after injury-hit year.
- Future beyond this season remains undecided.
What’s next for Reiss Nelson
With Brentford’s attack featuring Kevin Schade, Dango Ouattara, and Igor Thiago, competition for places remains fierce. However, a goal and assist on debut should strengthen Nelson’s case for more regular Premier League minutes.
His loan runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, with one year remaining on his Arsenal contract after that. The next few months could prove decisive in shaping his long-term future.
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