In an impressive show of skill and strategy, Arsenal swept Sheffield United off the pitch in a 5-0 victory. With manager Mikel Arteta placing his faith in Eddie Nketiah, the Gunners delivered a match to remember.

Arteta’s post-match comments offer insights into his tactical decisions, including the absence of captain Martin Ødegaard and plans for Declan Rice.

Eddie Nketiah was the standout performer as Arsenal put five past Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium.

A clinical hat-trick from the young forward underlined what manager Mikel Arteta has always believed: “For me he is top level,” Arteta said after the game.

“He’s started nine out of our 10 Premier League games. That shows how much we trust him. A hat-trick for an academy player – he needs to enjoy that. Hopefully there’s many more to come.”

Nketiah’s hat-trick was accompanied by a penalty from Fabio Vieira and a decisive first Arsenal goal from Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The comprehensive win elevates Arsenal to second place in the Premier League, just behind arch-rivals Tottenham while improving the team’s goal difference significantly.

Odegaard’s absence explained

Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal’s captain, was notably absent from the starting eleven, causing some speculation among fans.

Arteta clarified the decision post-match: “We went through all the minutes that everyone has played. Martin has been carrying a little thing that wasn’t very comfortable in the games.

“We have players that have enormous quality and we have to trust in them.”

Emile Smith-Rowe, making his return to the starting lineup for the first time since May 2022, seemed to validate Arteta’s point, as did scintillating performances from Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

The Gunners were unyielding in their attack, particularly in the second half when substitutes Tomiyasu and Leandro Trossard added fresh impetus to the team.

Arteta eyes offensive improvement for Rice

Declan Rice’s role in the squad also came into focus, especially regarding his offensive capabilities.

Arteta believes Rice has room to grow in this area: “For sure. This is the next step and things that we can evolve and help him to improve.”

As Arsenal maintain their unbeaten record in the league, the day’s 5-0 drubbing serves not only as a statement of intent but also a validation of Arteta’s faith in his young squad and tactical flexibility.

With such an impressive win, Arsenal’s title ambitions are more solid than ever.