Striker Carlos Vela enjoyed very little unforgettable moments in an Arsenal jersey but one night he will never forget is when on September 23 of 2008 he scored a hat-trick, against Sheffield United, in the Carling Cup.

Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, the Mexican explained how the second of the three goals he scored on the night was very important as it gave him the right confidence to fight for a regular place. It was left-back Kieran Gibbs who sent a long pass which the striker took on his chest, darted into the box and finished with a delicious chip over Paddy Kenny.

Months later, the 21-year old produced the same form to score one goal and turn provider for Jay Simpson on a night which saw a young Arsenal team ease past Wigan Athletic by three goals to nil.

According to Bolton manager Owen Coyle, the Wanderers have made an official approach for the striker, then confirmed by Arsene Wenger, with Coyle explaining this week how they are waiting for a reply from the Gunners.

On his special night, Vela said:

It’s a very important goal for me. It was the first game that I started for Arsenal and I had to take the opportunity to show what I can do. This game was, in a way, my introduction letter.

Thank God I managed to score three goals but this one was special for me and it was the best of the three. It was something we couldn’t plan, it happened just in the circumstance of the game. I received the pass, turned, and tipped it over the keeper.

Everyone seems to love it and it gave me confidence at that time to carry on and fight for my spot in the first team.