By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Arsenal Under-18s maintained their fine form with a 5-0 victory over Leicester City at Arsenal Training Centre.
Eddie Nketiah turned in a performance of the highest quality, scoring a hat-trick as Kwame Ampadu’s side won for the fourth time in six games.
Marcus McGuane and Vlad Dragomir added goals of their own to round off a convincing performance against the Foxes.
The Gunners have now found the net 18 times in their opening six games.
SETTING THE SCENE
Ampadu welcomed back Josh Dasilva after the youngster was named on the bench for the first team’s 4-0 EFL Cup win over Nottingham Forest in midweek.
Nketiah returned to the starting XI after being given his first under-23s start against Everton at Meadow Park.
McGuane once again captained the side and partnered Dasilva in midfield, while Joseph Olowu lined up alongside Kostas Pileas at centre back.
FIRST HALF
Arsenal flew out of the blocks and opened the scoring after just 13 minutes, with Nketiah going past his man before sending a low drive inside the far post.
The 17-year-old striker almost added a second goal minutes later, but was thwarted by Leicester goalkeeper Cameron Yates.
The prolific young forward then doubled his tally by latching on to a through ball and keeping his cool to fire past the onrushing Yates.
SECOND HALF
McGuane got the Gunners off to an ideal start in the second period, finding the net before the Foxes had a chance to get back into the game.
Nketiah completed his hat-trick two minutes later, converting from 12 yards after Yates gave away a penalty by hauling down Dragomir.
The Romanian midfielder then struck with just four minutes remaining to finish the game in style for Ampadu’s side.
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