Benik Afobe... with the Academy League trophy
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By Nick Teale
Benik Afobe has described his Academy League Final heroics as "a dream come true".
The 17-year-old said his performance, which included a hat-trick and two assists, was the best thing that has happened to him during his nine years at Arsenal.
The striker scored the Gunners' opening three goals in Tuesday's 5-3 win over Nottingham Forest before winning a penalty and providing the square ball for Luke Freeman to add a brace.
Afobe has now scored 20 times in 25 appearances for the Under-18s this season.
Speaking to Arsenal.com after the match he explained that he had been looking forward to playing at Emirates Stadium but hadn't imagined the impact he would have on the game.
"It's not every day that we play at a stadium like this and it is obviously our home ground," said Afobe.
"Before the game all I wanted was to win, and then maybe get one goal for myself. But I never thought of a hat-trick and two assists. It is like a dream come true!
"And I got the match ball too! I wasn't expecting that, I was just happy that we won.
"This is the best thing that has happened to me as a player at Arsenal, and hopefully more will come."
The prolific striker added that scoring in the Final was the perfect way to cap a productive season, though he already has his sights set on taking the next step up the ladder at Arsenal.
"It's always nice to score in the final because after all the work that has gone on through the season it is good to be able to round it off," he said.
"Hopefully next year I can push into the Reserves [he has started twice for them this season].
"It is always nice to play for the Reserves and next season I want to start more games, that is the next step; playing games and scoring goals in the Reserves."
[Wednesday, May 12, 2010]
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