Eddie Nketiah’s sensational hat-trick inspired Arsenal to a 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United as Mikel Arteta’s side moved back within two points of Premier League leaders Tottenham.

Nketiah, leading the line in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus, converted the opener coolly from Declan Rice’s cross in the first half then capitalised on a Wes Foderingham error to slam home an instinctive second soon after the break.

The 24-year-old saved his best until last, however, sealing his treble with a stunning long-range effort driven into the top corner after collecting Emile Smith Rowe’s pass 25 yards from goal.

Arsenal rammed home their advantage when Fabio Vieira won and converted a late penalty and fellow substitute Takehiro Tomiyasu poked home his first goal for the club following a corner in stoppage time, but the afternoon belonged to Nketiah.

“For me, he is top level,” said Arteta afterwards. “He has started [eight] out of the 10 Premier League games, so that tells you how much we and I trust him and the importance he has in the team.

“Really happy for him, an academy player, to experience a hat-trick in the Premier League. He needs to enjoy the moment, he fully deserves it, and hopefully there are many more to come.”

The 24-year-old’s performance, having not scored in his previous nine appearances, was an exhibition in ruthlessness and helped Arsenal maintain their unbeaten start to the season in style, moving them up to second place and piling more misery on bottom side Sheffield United, who remain winless, with one point from 10 games.