Arsenal vs Sheffield United LIVE!

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah ended his scoring drought in stunning fashion with a hat-trick in his side's 5-0 thrashing of hapless Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who made his full England debut this month, had not scored for the Gunners since August but found bottom club United's defence much to his liking.

Nketiah, back in the starting line-up because of Gabriel Jesus's injury, broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a fine finish after a pass by Declan Rice and made it 2-0 shortly after halftime with an emphatic goal after United keeper Wes Foderingham failed to intercept Bukayo Saka's corner.

The best was saved until last though with Nketiah smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner just before the hour. A Fabio Vieira penalty in the 88th minute and a stoppage-time goal by Takehiro Tomiyasu completed the rout. Victory pushed Arsenal up to second place with 24 points from 10 games, two behind Tottenham.

Arsenal vs Sheffield United highlights

• GOAL! Nketiah scores on return to Arsenal XI

• GOAL! Nketiah scores again at restart

• GOAL! Hat-trick for Nketiah with stunner

• GOAL! Vieira penalty wraps up win

• GOAL! Tomiyasu adds another

Thanks for joining us!

17:44 , Marc Mayo

A big win for Arsenal with Eddie Nketiah the hero.

Now, the Gunners don't have to worry so much about missing Gabriel Jesus!

Read Simon's analysis from the Emirates Stadium!

Arsenal keep pace with Tottenham

17:27 , Marc Mayo

The Gunners are now just two points off Spurs ahead of tricky trips to West Ham and Newcastle, the first of which is in the Carabao Cup.

Recap the action with today's match report!

Player ratings

17:14

"Brilliant" Eddie Nketiah the pick of the bunch in Simon's Arsenal ratings.

Good scores for Declan Rice and William Saliba, too.

Read the full story!

What next for the Blades?

17:09 , Marc Mayo

Truly awful statistics for the Premier League's bottom club.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom faces a very nervy few days if rumours over his future are to be believed...

Arsenal's biggest win of the season

17:03 , Marc Mayo

At half-time there may have been a murmur or two of worry, with the score only at 1-0.

Safe to say the 5-0 final score is pretty well deserved by the totally dominant Gunners.

Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United | Full time!

16:59 , Marc Mayo

FIVE goals for the Gunners!

Eddie Nketiah's hat-trick sets up a superb day for Mikel Arteta and his men, with late extras provided by Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United | 90+9 mins

16:58 , Marc Mayo

I said Arsenal were in 'cherry on top' territory.

Think we've found that moment!

GGGOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United | Tomiyasu, 90+7'

16:56 , Marc Mayo

A POACHER'S FINISH FROM THE FULL-BACK!

A big cheer for Takehiro Tomiyasu as he bags the fifth goal.

Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United | 90+6 mins

16:55 , Marc Mayo

Eddie Nketiah into the box seeking a fourth... good tackle by Vinicius Souza to block his attempt.

Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United | 90+3 mins

16:52 , Marc Mayo

Fair few away fans have headed back to King's Cross but the Blades fire in a free-kick to try and upset Arsenal's clean sheet.

Lovely footwork from Vinicius Souza nutmegs Takehiro Tomiyasu then wins a corner.

Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United | 90 mins

16:50 , Marc Mayo

Just the TEN added minutes. A bit unnecessary!

Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United | 89 mins

16:48 , Marc Mayo

Mohamed Elneny duly enters proceedings, Declan Rice off.

GGGOOOAAALLL!! Arsenal 4-0 Sheffield United | Fabio Vieira, 87'

16:46 , Marc Mayo

Eddie Nketiah has the ball first up... then hands it to Fabio Vieira!

AND HE BURIES IT!

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 86 mins

16:44 , Marc Mayo

Our referee Tim Robinson is called to the monitor... penalty to Arsenal!

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 85 mins

16:43 , Marc Mayo

VAR wants a look after Fabio Vieira goes down right on the edge of the area...

Somehow it wasn't a free-kick at all, whether it was in the box or not is hard to say.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 83 mins

16:42 , Marc Mayo

Ryan One, 17, comes in for a Sheffield United debut.

Mohamed Elneny will soon enter for Arsenal.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 81 mins

16:39 , Marc Mayo

Briefest of VAR checks dismisses that, teasing the fans by momentarily popping up on the screen before the goal kick.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 80 mins

16:39 , Marc Mayo

Into the last ten minutes as Eddie Nketiah goes down far, far too softly in the box looking for a penalty.

That's just greedy..!

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 76 mins

16:35 , Marc Mayo

Takehiro Tomiyasu nearly makes it four!

Great work down the left from Leandro Trossard, his cross is cleared as far as the full-back who drills a shot in first time... but it flies just wide.

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

16:33 , Marc Mayo

Saka goes off and hands the armband to Nketiah. This day cannot get much better for Nketiah.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 73 mins

16:32 , Marc Mayo

More rests for Arsenal legs ahead of the midweek trip to West Ham.

Bukayo Saka hands Eddie Nketiah the armband as he makes way for Reiss Nelson. Fabio Vieira also on for Emile Smith Rowe.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 71 mins

16:30 , Marc Mayo

Good punch by Wes Foderingham from a lovely cross into the box. Foul given to the Blades keeper and they'll make that change.

John Fleck also back for his injury return, James McAtee off.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 70 mins

16:29 , Marc Mayo

Jayden Bogle booked for hauling down Leandro Trossard and he'll soon depart, with George Baldock getting ready to come on after Emile Smith Rowe's free-kick.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 69 mins

16:28 , Marc Mayo

All very comfortable now for Arsenal, they're looking for a 'cherry on top' goal.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 65 mins

16:24 , Marc Mayo

As expected, it's Ben White departing for a well-earned rest and Gabriel Martinelli heads off with him.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 63 mins

16:22 , Marc Mayo

Almost time for some Arsenal substitutions.

Gabriel Martinelli, after those knocks, is likely heading off for Leandro Trossard.

Takehiro Tomiyasu also coming on, possibly for Ben White who launches a sizzling effort which forces a good save.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 61 mins

16:19 , Marc Mayo

Booking for Ben Osborn, straight off the Blades bench.

Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | 60 mins

16:18 , Marc Mayo

Chants of 'Eddie, Eddie' from the home fans break into audible gasps as the replay is shown on the big screens.

A first Premier League hat-trick for Eddie Nketiah!

GGGGGOOOOOAAAALLLL!!! Arsenal 3-0 Sheffield United | Nketiah, 58'

16:17 , Marc Mayo

WHAT A GOAL FOR THE HAT-TRICK!

Eddie Nketiah rolls onto his right foot, 25 yards out and absolutely rockets a shot into the top corner!

Arsenal 2-0 Sheffield United | 54 mins

16:13 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Martinelli down for the second time in this game, with his right leg being worked on by the physio.

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

16:12 , Marc Mayo

Right, let's see if the floodgates open now. Poor goalkeeping them from Foderingham. Far too weak.

Arsenal 2-0 Sheffield United | 52 mins

16:11 , Marc Mayo

VAR wants a look...

Ben White is in front of the Blades goalkeeper but really does very little to prevent him from making a proper go at the ball.

And the goal is given!

GGOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 2-0 Sheffield United | Nketiah, 50'

16:09 , Marc Mayo

First Arsenal corner of the half and Wes Foderingham flaps at it...

EDDIE NKETIAH FIRES HOME!

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 48 mins

16:07 , Marc Mayo

Already we're seeing substitute striker Cameron Archer get ready to come on for Sheffield United.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 47 mins

16:06 , Marc Mayo

The Blades have pushed Gustavo Hamer a little higher up the pitch to help Rhian Brewster out a bit more in attack. He was stranded in the first half.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | Kick-off!

16:03

The second half begins with Arsenal leading through an Eddie Nketiah goal.

No changes for either team.

Scores on the doors

16:01

A battle at the bottom between Bournemouth and Burnley is level at 1-1 in the only other 3pm kick-off.

Lots of work for the Blades to do

15:58

Rhian Brewster has had far too much asked of him as the lone striker, although the defending has been decent.

They may well have to draw forward their plans to release the handbrake with the deficit still just one.

Arsenal in cruise control

15:55 , Marc Mayo

Just seen a 'win probability' of 94.5 per cent for Arsenal which, even after that half, feels a bit optimistic.

Sure enough, the Gunners have been almost completely untroubled at the back and dominant on the ball but they've only managed the one goal.

Mikel Arteta will know that this is the sort of afternoon a league champion turns into a cushty 3-0 win.

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

15:51 , Marc Mayo

Not a thriller by any means but Arsenal will be happy to be ahead at the break.

Should be more gaps in the second-half as United tire.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | Half time!

15:48 , Marc Mayo

The Gunners a goal to the good at the break!

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 45+2 mins

15:48 , Marc Mayo

Low-key injury time in what has been a bit of a low-key game so far, bar the moment of quality that broke the Blades' strong defence for the goal.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 45 mins

15:46 , Marc Mayo

Even when United do string a few passes together to break out of their own half, the move dies a death up front where they have zero presence against William Saliba in particular.

We'll have three added minutes.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 43 mins

15:43 , Marc Mayo

The Gunners begin to think about pumping in shots from distance with their opponents penned in.

First Oleksandr Zinchenko tries his luck, blocked. Declan Rice then feints and passes into the box, cleared.

Smith Rowe then nearly gets lucky with a fluffed shot that Auston Trusty heads away...

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 41 mins

15:42 , Marc Mayo

SAVE!

Bukayo Saka drifts to the left flank to tee up Gabriel Martinelli, who cuts onto his left before firing a shot on goal.

Wes Foderingham will expect to save it and parries wide for a corner.

In comes the ball... it beats everyone.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 40 mins

15:41 , Marc Mayo

An early sense of this turning into a training ground game for Arsenal.

Understandably very little confidence in United to press out and open up the space for a second goal.

Making it 2-0 would be three points in the bag, surely, for Arsenal.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 37 mins

15:37 , Marc Mayo

Oleksandr Zinchenko the next to emerge in the Sheffield United box, such is his freedom with a rangy run to spot a lob over the top.

Auston Trusty does really well to slide in and concede a corner.

Arsenal play it short, opting to turn the screw a bit more gradually.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 35 mins

15:35 , Marc Mayo

Nice and easy for the Gunners now, in possession as they have been for 63 per cent of the match.

Emile Smith Rowe pops up on the 18-yard line but Eddie Nketiah can't bring the ball into the box.

Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | 31 mins

15:32 , Marc Mayo

No sign of the Blades coming out too much after that goal, with the game resuming just as before.

The visitors look to spark a counter but Declan Rice and William Saliba slam that door shut in an instant.

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

15:31 , Marc Mayo

That was an excellent ball from Rice there to create the goal. Arsenal will help that forces Sheffield United to come out a bit more now. They've been sat so deep.

GGGOOOOAAALL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Sheffield United | Nketiah, 28'

15:29 , Marc Mayo

EDDIE NKETIAH BREAKS THE DEADLOCK!

Declan Rice picks him out with a quick ball into the box and he controls well before burying his shot!

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 27 mins

15:28 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Jesus picked up by TV cameras watching from the stands alongside Cedric Soares, who's still on the Arsenal books remember.

Leandro Trossard warms up just in case as Mikel Arteta and Paul Heckingbottom gesticulate through some instructions.

Gabriel Martinelli looking okay to continue.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 26 mins

15:26 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Martinelli is down after a fairly stout challenge inside his own half.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 23 mins

15:24 , Marc Mayo

Halfway through the first half with just one shot to Arsenal's name.

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

15:21 , Marc Mayo

Raya looking more assured today. Twice he has picked out Martinelli on the counter with two great kicks from the hand. Much better.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 20 mins

15:21 , Marc Mayo

Samba stuff from Gabriel Martinelli after David Raya drills a delicious ball out to the Brazilian, who swivels into the box and just miscues his pass to Bukayo Saka.

Saka can't drag it back from behind him and the ball ends up with Wes Foderingham.

Super move, that.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 19 mins

15:20 , Marc Mayo

Luke Thomas nabs in to win the ball off Bukayo Saka's toe and United counter, and win a free-kick off Declan Rice.

David Raya claims the ball in well.

The visiting dugout will be quietly pleased with this start.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 15 mins

15:15 , Marc Mayo

Sturdy Arsenal press wins the ball in the Blades half but it's given away...

Gustavo Hamer spots David Raya off his line and tries the lob! Badly. He tries the lob badly. Nowhere near the goal.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 13 mins

15:13 , Marc Mayo

Auston Trusty loses out to Eddie Nketiah to concede a corner to the hosts.

Swung in really nicely into the six-yard box by Gabriel Martinelli, where is bounces out without an Arsenal man to finish it off!

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 11 mins

15:12 , Marc Mayo

Nice touch from Vinícius Souza in the midfield to start a Blades move forward.

Rhian Brewster tumbles too easily under pressure from Willian Saliba, who forces a free-kick of his own.

Mild roar from the away end for that, nothing in it though.

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

15:08 , Marc Mayo

Bright start from Arsenal, who are playing with intent. Martinelli getting joy out left so far. Feels like that's where United can be got at.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 7 mins

15:08 , Marc Mayo

Plenty of early promise for the Gunners, who have a Declan Rice drive blocked in the box and scrambled clear from Kai Havertz ready for the rebound.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 5 mins

15:07 , Marc Mayo

A happy birthday banner to Arsenal fan Evan Gershkovich is held aloft in the stands.

The American journalist, who turned 32 on Thursday, is being held in a Moscow prison after being arrested on espionage charges - which the US call "baseless".

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 3 mins

15:04 , Marc Mayo

The Blades have their first go at loading the box, a long throw going short in the end before a cross is easily claimed by David Raya.

Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United | 2 mins

15:02 , Marc Mayo

Oleksandr Zinchenko drifts into midfield for the first time to feed Bukayo Saka with Kai Havertz getting into the box for a cross, which is cleared.

An early Arsenal goal may well go a long way to defining this fixture.

Arsenal vs Sheffield United | Kick-off!

15:01 , Marc Mayo

Away. We. Go!

Minute's applause

14:59 , Marc Mayo

Before we get underway, we'll share a minute's applause at Emirates Stadium to remember the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton.

Big cheer for Bukayo Saka

14:58 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal will want a first start today with Kai Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe in an attack-minded line-up.

The Blades have gone with a 4-5-1, they're asking a lot of Rhian Brewster back in the side up front alone...

Here come the players!

14:56 , Marc Mayo

Sheffield United and Arsenal walk out the tunnel into a big Saturday afternoon atmosphere in north London!

Simon Collings at Emirates Stadium

14:55 , Marc Mayo

Big moment for Bukayo Saka today as he captains Arsenal for the first time from the start of a match. A sign of his leadership that he gets the armband ahead of the likes of Declan Rice and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Martin Odegaard sends message to Arsenal fans

14:49 , Marc Mayo

He's not in the line-up today but Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has discussed the game in his pre-game programme notes.

He writes: "It was a mature performance in a big away game in Europe.

"Spanish teams can use lots of tricks to make things difficult, but we were ready for that and we got a really important win. It puts us in a great position in the group, especially with two home games coming up that we have to make the most of.

"Today we face Sheffield United and despite their position in the table we know we have to treat this as a Champions League game as well.

"That’s the mindset we need, because every team in the Premier League will give you a big fight."

A fairly quiet one in the Premier League today

14:48 , Marc Mayo

One game down, three to go with this game the headline 3pm kick-off.

Arsenal boss vows to change behaviour

14:45

Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is working on his behaviour on the touchline in order to protect the image of Arsenal.

The Gunners boss came under fire for his antics last season and has been booked twice already this term.

If he receives a third yellow card, then Arteta will be banned from the touchline for one game.

Asked if he has made a conscious effort to change his behaviour, Arteta said: “Sometimes when I look at myself and I’m so agitated I think it can sometimes give an image that is not the best, mainly for the club.

“Sometimes it’s difficult with the certain decision when you are in the heat, because you are representing the club and you want to defend them. That’s what drives me.

“It’s to defend the players, to defend the club. Nothing else. It’s not about me."

Read the full story!

An ode to Takehiro Tomiyasu

14:41 , Marc Mayo

During a press conference last month, Mikel Arteta boldly declared: “We don’t have a player like him”.

He was not, as one might suspect, talking about Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus or Martin Odegaard — but instead Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arteta’s praise stemmed from the Japan international’s versatility and he has proven to be a ‘Swiss Army knife’ player.

Read Simon's full analysis!

Mikel Arteta makes Premier League plea

14:36 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on Premier League squads to be widened beyond 25 players amid the hectic calendar.

“If we have more games, more competitiveness and physically the standards are higher - by playing more minutes - we have to do that or instead of five subs, we have 10,” said Arteta.

“The five subs is now something normal but it was a big fight to go from three to five.

“I cannot imagine the game in the conditions we are in today after last year and the World Cup without five subs, it would be so difficult.

“If the calendar extends, for sure we would have to think of not dropping the quality. The only way to do it is players have to have certain availability and you need players to pick."

Read the full story!

Full time in the early kick-off

14:31

Brentford have beaten Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge!

Doesn't even really feel like a surprise anymore, does it?

The warm-ups are underway!

14:28 , Marc Mayo

Just over half an hour until this Arsenal side take on the Premier League's bottom club.

Video preview

14:23

Simon gives you the lowdown as we approach kick-off.

Two changes for Sheffield United

14:18 , Marc Mayo

Rhian Brewster makes his first Blades start since October 2022.

He's joined in the team by Tunisia international Anis Slimane on his first start since a summer switch from Brondby in what looks like a 4-5-1.

Attacking line-up from Arsenal

14:12 , Marc Mayo

Emile Smith Rowe and Kai Havertz come into the XI for Arsenal, who rest Martin Odegaard.

Eddie Nketiah replaces the injured Gabriel Jesus up front.

And there is a place for Jakub Kiwior in defence, with Gabriel also benched to save his legs.

Sheffield United line-up confirmed

14:06 , Marc Mayo

Sheff Utd XI: Foderingham; Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer; Slimane, Brewster

Subs: Davies, Baldock, Larouci, Fleck, Osborn, Brooks, Archer, Traore, One

Arsenal team is out!

14:01 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko; Smith Rowe, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Subs: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Jorginho, Elneny, Vieira, Odegaard, Nelson, Trossard

Team news up next!

13:55 , Marc Mayo

Talk on social media is Bukayo Saka captains the Gunners today...

Throwback: These teams' last meeting in north London

13:51

A 2-1 win for Arsenal during the Covid days, with a quickfire double from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe to thank.

Head-to-head record

13:45

Not since 1971 have the Blades won this fixture away from Yorkshire, when they were also a newly-promoted team.

Arsenal wins: 51

Draws: 27

Sheffield United wins: 40

Arsenal vs Sheffield United: Countdown to kick-off

13:39 , Marc Mayo

We have about an hour and 20 minutes to go until kick-off in north London!

Team news is coming up shortly...

Half-time in the early kick-off

13:33 , Marc Mayo

The action has already begun in the Premier League today with a mid-table west London derby between Chelsea and Brentford.

It's goalless at the break.

Match odds

13:24 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal 1/10

Draw 10/1

Sheff Utd 25/1

Odds via Betfair

Evening Standard score prediction

13:18

After a run of tight matches, Arteta will want to see his side put Sheffield United under pressure from the first whistle.

This looks to be the perfect opportunity for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard to produce their best, with the Gunners fancied to ease to a much-needed comfortable win.

Arsenal to win, 3-0.

Our predicted Blades XI

13:10

Predicted Sheff Utd XI: Foderingham; Bogle, Trusty, Robinson, Thomas; McAtee, Norwood, Souza, Hamer, Osborn; McBurnie

Early Sheffield United team news

13:03

Sheffield United continue to contend with a number of injury issues, with both Chris Basham and John Egan long-term absentees.

The woes at the back have continued as Anel Ahmedhodzic is now out with a hamstring injury, while striker Ollie McBurnie was forced off against Man United with a groin problem.

How we reckon the Gunners will line up today

12:58 , Marc Mayo

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Early Arsenal team news

12:52 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal are without Gabriel Jesus after he was forced off with a hamstring issue late in the win over Sevilla, with Arteta confirming a few weeks out for the Brazilian striker.

It's the same news for Thomas Partey after picking up a muscle injury in the build-up to that match, while Takehiro Tomiyasu will hope to keep his place at left-back over Oleksandr Zinchenko after once again impressing.

Is today's game on TV?

12:41 , Marc Mayo

In the UK, the game will not be televised live due to the Saturday 3pm blackout.

Highlights of the match, and all the other Premier League action on the day, will be available on Match of the Day at 10:20pm BST on BBC One.

Arsenal vs Sheffield United LIVE!

12:32 , Marc Mayo

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's coverage of Arsenal vs Sheffield United!

The Blades are hoping to pull off a massive upset today and win away to the Gunners for the first time in over 50 years.

Kick-off comes at 3pm BST and we'll have all the build-up, match action and reaction right here.

Stay tuned with Marc Mayo on the play-by-play calls and Simon Collings in situ at the Emirates Stadium for expert analysis.