Nelson's 97th-minute goal caps Arsenal's incredible comeback win vs. Bournemouth

Arsenal have a new hero.

Academy graduate Reiss Nelson, making his first Premier League appearance since November and just his third all season, struck a spectacular half-volley in the 97th minute to complete Arsenal's unbelievable comeback from 2-0 down against Bournemouth on Saturday and maintain the north London side's five-point lead atop the standings.

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Nelson, who came on as a second-half substitute, sealed the 3-2 victory with virtually the last kick of the game, sparking bedlam at Emirates Stadium with a searing strike off Arsenal's 17th and final corner kick of the game.

"It's amazing," the London native, who joined Arsenal's academy at eight years old, told BBC Sport. "When the ball came out to me, I eyed it up. Everyone went crazy when it went in. It's a great moment for me. I have been here all my life, and it means a lot to me. I'm just happy. I'm delighted."

The Gunners stared at an embarrassing defeat to 19th-placed Bournemouth before scoring three unanswered goals in the second half. The Cherries took the lead after just nine seconds when Philip Billing struck the second-fastest goal in Premier League history off an impressive kickoff routine that seemed to freeze Arsenal's defenders in place. Marcos Senesi headed Bournemouth into a stunning 2-0 lead in the 57th minute, his goal threatening to cut Arsenal's lead over Manchester City to two points.

City beat Newcastle United earlier Saturday to keep the pressure on their title rivals, and once again, Arsenal appeared to wobble at a critical juncture of the season.

But Mikel Arteta's men are making a habit of winning from behind. Arsenal clawed back from 1-0 and 2-1 down to beat Aston Villa on Feb. 18, and they responded again with a pair of goals in eight second-half minutes on Saturday. Thomas Partey hammered home first from close range in the 62nd minute, and Ben White prodded the equalizer narrowly past the goal line in the 70th.

Arsenal pushed for the winner and clamored for a penalty when Billing appeared to block the ball with his hands in the six-yard box. The call was one of several Arteta and his players protested in the final stages, but their suffering turned to ecstasy with Nelson's heroics off the bench.

City will try to keep the league leaders sweating with a win next Saturday at Crystal Palace. Arsenal play away to Fulham next Sunday with their first Premier League title since 2004 firmly in their sights.