Nketiah stars for five-star Arsenal

Arsenal roared back from 2-0 down to draw against Chelsea last week to preserve their unbeaten league record. 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. Nketiah's hat-trick was sealed in style as he smashed home from 20 yards.

The Gunners 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.

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.

 

October 28, 2023