Eddie Nketiah scores second-half hat-trick as Arsenal beat Charlton in friendly

Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah underlined his goalscoring prowess with a second-half hat-trick in a friendly against Charlton Athletic at the Emirates.

Nketiah, who returned from a loan spell at Leeds United in January, continues to impress head coach Mikel Arteta after being chosen to start ahead of Alexandre Lacazette in the final three league games before the season was suspended.

The game against Charlton was held behind closed doors and without any media present, with both clubs looking to regain match fitness ahead of the resumption of their respective campaigns.

All players arrived in their own cars for the match and coaches from both sides officiated in the absence of referees or linesmen.

Arsenal said they had a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to a goal from range from Alexandre Lacazette and a curling finish from captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Nketiah scored with a tap-in after the break before finishing a one-on-one with the Charlton goalkeeper. He then headed in his third goal from a pass by Joe Willock, who added the late sixth from the edge of the penalty box.

Before the season was suspended, Nketiah had scored three goals in his last six appearances for his club. The plan was originally for the 21-year-old to be sent back on loan by Arsenal but he was kept in north London after a series of impressive performances in training.

Speaking earlier this month, Nketiah told BT Sport that he has been in constant contact with Arteta over Zoom during lockdown. He also revealed his excitement at the return to action, which starts for Arsenal with a trip to Manchester City.

“It gives us all something to look forward to and for the players, something to focus on and work towards,” he said. "It’s going to be sad not having the fans there to see us and we will miss their support.

"But I hope we can provide some entertainment for them at home and give them something to cheer and smile about. It’s definitely a positive that we are getting back out there."

Meanwhile, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Chelsea all played intra-squad friendlies at their respective grounds on Saturday. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is yet to feature in a competitive match for Chelsea this season after rupturing his Achilles last year, scored with what Chelsea described as a "good finish" at Stamford Bridge.