Nketiah hits hat-trick as red-hot Arsenal put Sheffield United to the sword

Eddie Nketiah hit a hat-trick in a 5-0 win for unbeaten Arsenal against bottom club Sheffield United. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack – including dropping captain Martin Odegaard to the bench – for the visit of Sheffield United and Nketiah celebrated his recall in style. Arsenal broke through a resolute Blades defence as […]

Eddie Nketiah hit a hat-trick in a 5-0 win for unbeaten Arsenal against bottom club Sheffield United.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack – including dropping captain Martin Odegaard to the bench – for the visit of Sheffield United and Nketiah celebrated his recall in style.

Arsenal broke through a resolute Blades defence as Declan Rice’s pinpoint pass was collected by Nketiah, who made no mistake with a close-range finish past Wes Foderingham.

Nketiah doubled up when Foderingham failed to deal with a Bukayo Saka corner and palmed the ball into the path of the England striker, who lashed home to make it 2-0.

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Nketiah’s hat-trick was sealed in style as he smashed home from 20 yards.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR check for an Oliver Norwood foul on Fabio Vieira, the Portuguese midfielder taking the spot-kick himself and sending Foderingham the wrong way to make it 4-0.

Another substitute, Takehiro Tomiyasu, completed the rout in stoppage time.

The win lifts Arsenal two points behind pacesetters Tottenham, who beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Friday.

Bournemouth win too
Struggling Burnley took the lead against Bournemouth through Charlie Taylor but Antoine Semenyo levelled midway through the first half for the south coast club with a superb individual goal.

Bournemouth took the lead in the 76th minute when Philip Billing chipped over goalkeeper James Trafford from long range.

Newcastle, who have won four of their past five league games, take on Wolves in the late kick-off.

High-flying Liverpool and Manchester City are in action on Sunday.