Cazorla scores hat-trick as Arsenal run riot against Reading

Santi Cazorla became the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick this season, as Arsenal defeated Reading 5-2 at the Madjeski Stadium, on Monday evening.

Arsene Wenger started the game with a front three of Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the trio, with support from Cazorla, ran the home side’s defence ragged.

Podolski opened scoring with a smart finish, after playing a neat one-two with Kieran Gibbs. Cazorla added a second, stooping to head in Podolski’s cross. His second goal, shortly before half time, was a well executed goal – he controlled a passed and in an instant swivelled and finish past Federeci.

The Spanish midfielder converted from close range early in the second half, to complete his hat-trick. Reading capitalised on a loose Gibbs’ pass, to pull one back and added another through Jimmy Kebe.

However, their hopes of a comeback was snuffed out, after Walcott controlled a Cazorla pass, dummied a defender and curled in Arsenal’s fifth with his left foot.

Arsenal now sit in 5th place, with 27 points – two points behind Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs. More to follow..

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