ARSENAL booked their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable win over League One Sunderland.
The Gunners looked to be firmly in control of the tie thanks to early goals from Eddie Nketiah and Nicolas Pepe.
But the League One side fired back through in-form Nathan Broadhead, who coolly finished after being sent through one-on-one.
After the break through the Gunners stepped things up a gear, with Nketiah netting twice to complete a sublime hat-trick.
And right in the final embers of the match, 18-year-old Charlie Patino netted on his Gunners bow after coming off the bench.
- Final score: Arsenal 5-1 Sunderland
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Lee Johnson reacts
“I thought we had a really good spell just after we scored. We grew in confidence.”
“I’m very proud of the players, yes we got beat 5-1 but we did have good spells.”
“Now they know the standards, the young players and the senior players can take that away.”
“We can take a bit of confidence from that game.”
“A big shoutout to our support, that was absolutely phenomenal tonight.”
Eddie Nketiah reacts
“Its a great feeling, I want to say a big thank you to my teammates.”
“Having fans in the stadium is amazing.”
“We could’ve played better in the first half.”
“As long as I play for Arsenal I will give it my all.”
Full Time – Arsenal 5-1 Sunderland
An excellent performance from the Gunners sees them through to the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Sunderland had a positive start to the game, but the strength and quality of the Arsenal squad proved to be too much to handle for the Black Cats.
92. Arsenal 5-1 Sunderland
What an evening for Patino!
The teenager secures his first Arsenal goal after a great move ended with a well-executed tap into the bottom right corner.
91. GOALLLL ARSENAL!!!
Charlie Patino scores on his debut!
85. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
Arsenal think they have been awarded a penalty as Nketiah goes down in the box following a challenge from Doyle, but the referee actually signals for a goal kick.
The Gunners look like they’re playing a game of keep-ball as we enter the closing stages of the match.
80. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
18-year-old Charlie Patino comes on to make his senior debut for Arsenal as he replaces Emile Smith Rowe.
The youngster is greeted with a fantastic reception from the Arsenal supporters.
78. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
Sunderland now make a double substitution.
Corry Evans comes on to replace Lynden Gooch.
Aiden O’Brien replaces Elliot Embleton.
76. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
Wright is booked for a late challenge on Martinelli.
The free kick is sent into the box but gets punched away by Burge.
73. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
Arsenal make a double substitution.
Gabriel replaces Ben White.
Gabriel Martinelli replaces Martin Odegaard.
68. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
Nketiah gets another shot away but it is saved.
Arsenal are really dominating now, they have kept the majority of possession since the fourth goal and are barely giving the opposition a look-in.
Folarin Balogun has been replaced by Granit Xhaka
59. Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland
Wow.
What a goal from Arsenal!
Pepe drives into the box, nutmegging his defender on the way before sending the perfect pass into Nketiah who chops the ball into the back of the net.
58. WHAT. A. GOAL
Nketiah seals his hattrick in unbelievable style!
55. Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Embleton almost scores scores a worldie after his long-range effort flies past Leno, but hits the outside of the post.
Sunderland are refusing to give up!
50. Arsenal 3-1 Sunderland
Tavares does well to drive forward before sending a superb cross into Nketiah, who gets in front of his marker before tapping the ball past Burge with the outside of his boot.
A superb goal from the Arsenal youngster.
The Gunners increase the gap once again.
49. GOALLLLLL ARSENAL!!!
Nketiah gets his second of the game and Arsenal’s third!
Kick Off – Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
Sunderland get us underway for the second half.
Stewart goes down injured within the opening 10 seconds following a collision with Balogun, but it looks like he can play on.
Half Time – Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
Johnson’s side are the first team to score against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup this season.
Arsenal looked to be in complete control up until Broadhead’s goal, which spurred the away side on to apply even more pressure.
This game is far from decided.
Half Time – Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
Arsenal have the advantage at the halfway mark following goals from Nketiah and Pepe.
However, Sunderland are certainly still in the game and will not give up without a fight.
44. Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
Smith-Rowe almost increases the lead for the Gunners with a great volley from outside the penalty area.
There is a brief pause in play after Broadhead goes down injured, he is forced off and replaced by Denver Hume.
There will be two minutes added on at the end of the half.
38. Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
The Black Cats have dominated play since scoring.
Johnson’s side are really piling pressure onto the Arsenal defence.
32. Arsenal 2-1 Sunderland
Arsenal lose the ball in midfield and Sunderland respond with the perfect attack.
Embleton carries the ball forward with pace before sending it through to Broadhead who lifts it over Leno and into the back of the net.
White attempts to clear it on line but could not get back in time.
Game on.
31. GOALLLLLLL SUNDERLAND!!!!!
Broadhead gets one back for the visitors!
Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland
Pepe nets the second after a superb spell of link up play with Cedric on the right.
His shot rifles into the top right corner following a deflection.
27. GOALLLLLLL ARSENALLLLL!!!!
Nicolas Pepe doubles the lead after a brilliant link up with Cedric.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
