Sunderland put up a good first half display in their Carabao encounter with Arsenal, but they were blown away in the second half
By Kehinde Okeowo
League One club Sunderland gave a good account of themselves in the first half of the Carabao Cup quarter final match against Arsenal at the Emirates, but they got ripped apart in the second half.
Arsenal went into the game fielding a much weakened side but one still capable of hurting the White cats.
The home side drew the first blood in the 17th minute when Edward Nketiah scored from a rebound from Lee Burge’s initial save to make it 1-0 to the home side.
The Gunners made it 2-0 in the 27th minute after Nicholas Pepe scored from an assist from right back Cedric Soares.
The north London side were cruising and totally in control after the two goals, Folarin Balogun missed a couple of chances to put daylight between them and Sunderland.
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But they were stunned in the 31st minute when Nathan Broadhead scored from a through pass from Elliot Embleton to reduce the deficit to 2-1 for the White Cats.
Arsenal resumed the second half still dominating the match and restored their 2 goal cushion when Edward Nkeriah scored a brace from a cross from Nuno Tavares to give The Gunners 3-1 advantage.
It got worse for Sunderland when Arsenal scored a fourth in the 58th minute when Edward Nketia scored a hat-trick from a scintillating interplay between him and Nicholas Pepe.
The host crowned a perfect evening with a goal from teenager and debutant, Charlie Patino who scored from another Pepe’s assist to end the game 5-1 in favour of Arsenal, who now await their opponent in the semifinals of the Cup.
After the match, Arsenal hat-trick hero, Edward Nketiah had this to tell Sky Sports:
“Great feeling. I want to say big thanks to my teammates for some really good assists. I just had to be in the right place.
“I scored a similar goal [to his third] a couple of rounds ago.
“It’s nice to get that reaction. I’m happy we can go to the next round and get a few goals.
“We could have played a lot better in the first half but we improved in the second half and more goals came.
“It was a great team display.
“This competition is the place I’ve been getting started. I’ll do my best whenever I’m asked to play.
“I’m desperate to play football. All I can do is keep working hard. It’ll sort itself out.
“Hopefully we can go all the way.
“I’m just eager to play football. That’s my main ambition. As long as I play for Arsenal I’ll give my all.”
When asked to comment on Charlie Patino’s performance, he said: “Amazing for him. He’s got a great future ahead of him”
