Forward Eddie Nketiah scored three goals in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United in the 10th round of the Premier League on October 27.
Nketiah took less than an hour to complete his first-ever Premier League hat-trick. The chants of “Eddie” echoed multiple times in the Emirates Stadium, especially after his long-range shot extended the lead to 3-0 in the 58th minute. Gabriel Jesus, who was injured and made way for Nketiah to start, also applauded and praised the young talent. Thanks to Nketiah’s outstanding performance, Arsenal is only two points behind league leaders Tottenham.
His technique and confidence, especially in the first and third goals, demonstrate that Nketiah can play a crucial role in Arsenal’s attack for the remainder of the season. In the opening goal in the 28th minute, the 24-year-old forward displayed delicate ball control to evade his marker, Auston Trusty, and beat goalkeeper Wes Foderingham. For his third goal, Nketiah received a pass from Emile Smith-Rowe and fired a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, completing his hat-trick.
In between these goals, the English forward seized an opportunity at the beginning of the second half, unleashing a shot that found the Sheffield net from a corner kick. Nketiah’s three goals made the rest of the match appear like a walk in the park for Arsenal. Their superior strength also led to two more goals, courtesy of Fabio Vieira from a penalty kick and Takehiro Tomiyasu from another corner kick.
Sheffield is the only team in the Premier League this season that has yet to secure a victory. What transpired at the Emirates explains why. On Arsenal’s home turf, where Sheffield hasn’t won since 1971, the visitors immediately retreated into a defensive shell, even in the early minutes of the match.
This strategy remained unchanged despite Sheffield falling behind by one, two, and three goals. Arsenal, despite resting captain Martin Odegaard and making up to five changes from their lineup against Sevilla, still quickly dominated the match. Throughout the game, the home team had 67% possession and directed eight shots on target. Sheffield didn’t manage a single shot on target, and their expected goals (xG) was a mere 0.03.
With 24 points after ten matches, Arsenal sits in second place behind Tottenham, who are also undefeated like the “Gunners.” Sheffield remains at the bottom of the table with just one point. In the next round, Sheffield will return to their home ground to face Wolves, while Arsenal will be away to Newcastle.
Starting line-up
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White (Tomiyasu 66), Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Smith Rowe (Vieira 73), Rice (Elneny 89), Havertz; Saka (Nelson 73), Nketiah, Martinelli (Trossard 66).
Sheffield Utd (4-5-1): Foderingham; Bogle (Baldock 71), Trusty, Robinson, Thomas; McAtee (Fleck 71), Norwood, Ben Slimane (Osborn 59), Souza, Hamer (One 83); Brewster (Archer 59).
