Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United
Mikel Arteta described Gabriel Jesus’ injury as “really bad news” for Arsenal on Friday and it may yet prove to be. For now, though, it is no great concern. Not when Eddie Nketiah is in this kind of form.
The 24-year-old delivered a devastating display at the Emirates Stadium, seizing his chance in the absence of the Brazilian and firing a first Premier League hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed Sheffield United 5-0 to move back within two points of leaders Tottenham.
Nketiah is of course best known for his goal-poaching instincts and they were razor sharp for his first two goals as he converted from Declan Rice’s low cross following an excellent first touch, then fired home first-time after an error from Wes Foderingham.
But his third goal, rifled into the top corner from long range, showed there is more to his game than sniffing out chances in the box. It is now five goals in eight Premier League starts for him this season.
Eddie Nketiah secured his maiden Premier League hat-trick thanks to a sensational strike from 25 yards
Arteta was eager to emphasise the number of games he has started afterwards. “That tells you how much we trust him and the importance he has in the team,” he said. But there is a sense that some supporters still need winning over and this will help.
It will help, too, if he continues to improve, and that is something Arteta is in no doubt about. “For me, he is top level,” he said.
“But the best thing about Eddie is the talent that he has got but especially his mentality. It’s incredible. When he has that mentality, with that talent, obviously he is going to get much better.”
With Jesus still some weeks away from fitness, Arsenal will need their hat-trick hero to continue in the same vein as they gear up for four fixtures in 11 days before the international break.
Nick Wright
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