Eddie Nketiah grabbed his first Premier League hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arsenal, with the victory, moved back within two points of Premier League leaders Tottenham.
Nketiah, leading the line in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus, converted the opener coolly from Declan Rice’s cross in the first half then capitalised on a Wes Foderingham error to slam home a close-range second soon after the break.
The 24-year-old striker saved his best until last, however, sealing his treble with a stunning long-range effort driven into the top corner after collecting Emile Smith Rowe’s pass 25 yards from goal.
Arsenal rammed home their advantage when Fabio Vieira won and converted a late penalty and fellow substitute Takehiro Tomiyasu poked home following a corner in stoppage time, but the afternoon belonged to Nketiah.
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The 24-year-old’s performance, having not scored in his previous nine appearances, was an exhibition in ruthlessness and helped Arsenal maintain their unbeaten start to the season in style, moving them up to second place and piling more misery on bottom side Sheffield United, who remain winless, with one point from 10 games.
Arsenal travel to east London to face West Ham in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday.
The Gunners are back on the box in their next game on November 4, when they visit Newcastle in the Premier League.
Sheffield United next host Wolves in the Premier League on November 4.
They then travel to Brighton on November 12.
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