Nketiah's hat-trick pushed Arsenal into League Cup Semi-final

Nketiah’s hat-trick pushed Arsenal into League Cup Semi-final. 

Eddie Nketiah struck a hat-trick as Arsenal defeated League One club Sunderland 5-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday night to secure an appearance in the semifinals for the League Cup.

Mikel Arteta rotated his side but managed to field a sturdy enough lineup to ensure that his side could progress comfortably to the final four.

The 22-year-old Nketiah, who hasn’t been a regular in the Premier League this season, has put the Gunners ahead against the club of the third division after he scored close to the goal after Rob Holding’s shot off a corner fended out by Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge.

Nicolas Pepe doubled the lead with a deflected shot after great work by Cedric Soares. 

However, Sunderland got back in the game by scoring a great goal by Nathan Broadhead, who lifted the ball over Bernd Leno.

Nketiah returned to the two-goal advantage by securing the ball low by Nuno Tavares on the 50th minute. Nketiah, the forward, produced an enthralling backheel goal to make it 4-1 following Pepe was naughty Denver Hume and delivered a low cross.

He is a forward whose contract with Arsenal expires in June. He is a scorer with 10 in his nine professional matches at the League Cup.

“This competition is the place I’ve been getting started. I’ll do my best whenever I’m asked to play,” said Nketiah.

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“I’m desperate to play football. All I can do is keep working hard. It’ll sort itself out. As long as I play for Arsenal, I’ll give my all,” said Nketiah. He has yet to sign a contract extension.

A successful evening for Arteta’s side was completed when sub-Charlie Patino scored another small cross for Pepe, making his senior debut.

Sunderland, who were exiled to their Premier League in 2017, we’re greeted by 5,000 people who came from North East. 

North East and manager Lee Johnson stated that he was delighted to play some great games.

“The bigger picture for us is the learning experience. Now they know the standard. When you feel the quality of the opposition, you learn so much more. Arsenal was fantastic,” the manager said.

In the remaining three quarter-finals of the Wednesday match, Tottenham faces West Ham United, Liverpool host Leicester City while Chelsea is in Brentford.