Eddie Nketiah put an end to his goal drought in spectacular fashion by netting a hat-trick as Arsenal dismantled Sheffield United 5-0 at home in the English Premier League on Saturday.
The 24-year-old striker of Ghanaian parentage, who made his full England debut earlier this month, had not found the net for the Gunners since August and had recently lost his place in the starting lineup. However, he made a remarkable comeback as he notched his first Arsenal hat-trick against the beleaguered, bottom-placed Sheffield United.
Nketiah, filling in for the injured Gabriel Jesus, opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a fine finish, receiving a pass from Declan Rice.
He doubled the lead shortly after halftime with a powerful strike, taking advantage of United keeper Wes Foderingham’s failure to intercept Bukayo Saka’s corner.
Then the pièce de résistance came last, with Nketiah unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner to seal his treble before retrieving the ball and raising it in celebration.
Nketiah paid a touching tribute to his late aunt, saying, “It’s amazing. It’s not been easy. Her family were here watching, so it is a really special moment.”
Arsenal’s victory was further bolstered by a Fabio Vieira penalty in the 88th minute, awarded after a VAR review following a foul by Oliver Norwood.
Substitute Takehiro Tomiyasu completed the rout with his first Arsenal goal, slotting in from close range.
The win propelled the unbeaten Arsenal to second place in the Premier League standings with 24 points from 10 games, trailing Tottenham Hotspur, who won at Crystal Palace on Friday by just two points.
