Arsenal loanee scores on full debut for Fulham | OneFootball

Reiss Nelson scored on his first start for Fulham in the League Cup on Tuesday, but they were ultimately eliminated in an unusual penalty shootout.

Reiss Nelson celebrating a goal for Fulham (Photo via Fulham on Twitter)

Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson made his debut appearance for Fulham as a substitute at the weekend, but he got his first chance in the starting lineup in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Fulham travelled away to Preston North End for their cup fixture, and Nelson was one of a number of changes from their most recent Premier League team.

Nelson put in a good performance on the night, but he found his team behind at the hour mark and in need of an equaliser.

The Arsenal winger provided just that, adjusting his body well to turn home a Ryan Sessegnon cutback with his left foot for 1-1.

PRESTON, ENGLAND: Reiss Nelson of Fulham is put under pressure by Josh Bowler of Preston North End during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Preston North End and Fulham at Deepdale on September 17, 2024. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Nelson came off in the 85th minute with the scores still level, having completed 43 of 47 attempted passes and getting two of his four shots on target.

But with no late winner for either side, the match went to penalties, and it was certainly a unique shootout.

Both sets of takers were initially faultless, with the first 16 penalties going in for 8-8. Preston’s Freddie Woodman then saved Fulham’s ninth effort, only for Fulham’s Steven Benda to keep out Preston’s next penalty.

The two teams got back to scoring, netting the next seven each for 15-15. By this point, the goalkeepers had both scored one, and a few players had scored their second.

Eventually, Timothy Castagne missed the target and Preston’s Ryan Ledson converted for a 16-15 win, the longest penalty shootout in League Cup history. The full shootout is available to watch here.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Reiss Nelson of Fulham in action during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and West Ham United FC at Craven Cottage on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Nelson’s goal didn’t ultimately help his team to progress, but it should have helped his reputation with his loan club. Fulham are next in action at home to Newcastle on Saturday, September 21st at 15:00 BST.