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His name is Gunner: Lichaj gets his dog despite no hat trick

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NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Eric Lichaj of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his side’s first goal during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal at City Ground on January 7, 2018 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Shaun Botterill

Oh, the magic of the Cup…

Eric Lichaj’s greatest wish in life — to welcome a brand new member, of the canine variety, into his family — has finally come true.

[ MORE: Wenger says no approaches for Alexis Sanchez… yet ]
After scoring a brace (including this stunning volley from the edge of the box — WATCH HERE) in Nottingham Forest’s 4-2 victory over Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, Lichaj told the post-game television interviewer, “My wife told me that if I score a hat trick this year, I can get a dog. … I was trying to get the penalty, but Vaughany (David Vaughan) told me politely to go away.”

On Monday, the entire footballing world — from fans of Forest, to fans of other clubs and even teammates — got behind the cause and helped Lichaj promote the #getericadog hashtag.

It worked. (Look away, Arsenal fans, for the newest member of the Lichaj family is named… Gunner. Yes, really.)

Relax, it was just banter.

Follow @AndyEdMLS