Joe Willock says he’s happy to get a hat-trick of assists after Arsenal’s u23s brushed Everton aside in a 4-0 win on Monday.

At the weekend, Aaron Ramsey scored a hat-trick and Henrikh Mkhitaryan provided three assists as Arsenal’s senior side beat Everton 5-1. The academy players took a leaf out of their book on Monday.

Eddie Nketiah scored a hat-trick of his own, and Willock was the three-time provider.

The 18-year-old took to social media after the game to show his delight with the result and his personal contribution to it:

https://twitter.com/Joewillock/status/960652681051344896

Willock’s progress has largely gone under the radar this season, thanks to his talented teammates.

Reiss Nelson’s tricks and skills always catch the eye, and Eddie Nketiah’s goals do the same. The midfielder’s game is much less flashy, so perhaps he doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.

This season, at just 18 years old, Willock has made eight senior appearances. Arsene Wenger even trusted him in the League Cup quarter-final against Premier League opposition, West Ham.

Although the Englishman is now back with the u23s, he’s clearly showing he’s too good for that level. Along with Nketiah and Nelson, he dominates matches.

I’m sure the young Gunners would be well clear at the top of the Premier League 2 table if the trio hadn’t had so many senior call ups. I fully expect them to be back in the squad for the Europa League match against Östersund as well.

I think that’s why Wenger didn’t send them out on loan, because they’re so close to the first team already. Now they just need to keep taking first team opportunities when they come.