Awards

Nelson claims 2022/23 Castrol Game Changer of the Season award

4 Jun 2023

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Arsenal star's display against AFC Bournemouth voted 2022/23's most impactful performance

Reiss Nelson has won the 2022/23 Castrol Game Changer of the Season award.

Nelson claims the prize, given to the individual with the single most game-changing performance over the course of the campaign, for his outstanding second-half cameo that inspired Arsenal's 3-2 win over AFC Bournemouth.

Late drama at Emirates Stadium 🎇#PLAwards | @Castrol pic.twitter.com/VaqPJV7aGf
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 4, 2023

With his team trailing 2-1, and title rivals Manchester City having beaten Newcastle United earlier in the day, Nelson was substituted on in the 69th minute and had an instant impact as he produced a cross for Ben White to equalise within 60 seconds of his introduction.

And Nelson was not done there. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, the 23-year-old controlled a loose ball from a corner and unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot to secure an unforgettable turnaround.

An assist and a goal for Reiss Nelson to seal a dramatic comeback victory for Arsenal against Bournemouth means he is crowned the 2022/23 @premierleague Castrol Game Changer of the Season. Congratulations Reiss! pic.twitter.com/ToxHa6o9Wv
— Castrol (@Castrol) June 4, 2023

He wins the award after receiving the most votes from the public and a panel of football experts. He follows in the footsteps of Ilkay Gundogan, who won the inaugural 2021/22 award.

Nelson topped a a six-man shortlist that also included Jordan Pickford, Son Heung-min, Erling Haaland, Rodrigo Bentancur and Riyad Mahrez.