Eddie Nketiah's Carabao Cup hat-trick showed he's got something to offer Mikel Arteta with Aubameyang and Lacazette's Arsenal futures in doubt... but with the striker yet to commit his future, should he stick or twist?

'I'm just eager to play football. I'm here and under contract. As long as I play for Arsenal I'm going to give my all.'

That dry, lukewarm statement came from the mouth of Eddie Nketiah, a striker out of contract in June but who was in red-hot form against Sunderland, netting his first senior club hat-trick as the Gunners qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

The 22-year-old striker took his tally to 10 League Cup goals in nine appearances following his three strikes against the Black Cats, which demonstrated the natural striking ability he possesses.