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‘Back to the drawing board’: Reiss Nelson insists Arsenal will come back fighting after Dubai break

Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has backed the Gunners to come back fighting following the warm-weather training camp in Dubai this month.

The north London giants had a poor end to 2023 with back-to-back defeats to West Ham United and Fulham in the Premier League.

Things did not improve at the weekend where they were beaten 2-0 by Liverpool in the FA Cup third round despite a solid showing.

The Gunners had as many as four big chances to find the back of the net, but their inability to score eventually cost them the game.

Speaking after the defeat, Nelson said that the warm-weather training camp in Dubai offers an opportunity for the club to regroup.

The 24-year-old added that it would be nice to train in good weather and the team will come back fighting against Crystal Palace.

He said via The Guardian: “It’s a chance for us to put all the games behind us that we had. We lost three on the bounce and it’s not the best situation.”

“But now we can regroup, go back to the drawing board and come back fighting for Palace. It is a chance for the boys just to be together every day.

“You are not in an environment where it is just training. We can do fun activities, go out.

“A lot of boys are bringing their families out as well, so it’s a chance to meet people’s families. It’s nice to be in the heat, train in the good weather. It’s good for us.”

Arsenal still have plenty to play for this season

The Gunners have had a poor few weeks where they have been inconsistent offensively and defensively.

Their concern has been more in the final third where they have squandered clear-cut chances. The Gunners have scored one goal from an xG of 6.47 over the last three games alone.

The warm weather training camp could be useful for a mid-season reset for the squad before they embark on a crucial period ahead in the Premier League and Champions League.

Shortly after the break, the Gunners will be in action against Crystal Palace at home on January 20.

This will be followed by fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, West Ham United and Burnley in the league before the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie at Porto.

In our view, the club have plenty to play for despite exiting both Cup competitions. They are only five points behind league leaders Liverpool and have the ability to turn things around.

Meanwhile, they have the opportunity to reach the quarter-final stage of the Champions League after more than a decade. The Gunners should beat Porto despite their current woes.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & XGPhilosophy

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