With a convincing 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Luton, Arsenal maintained their title drive and moved up to the top of the Premier League table, one point clear of second-place Liverpool.
On Thursday at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s team will take on Sheffield United with the opportunity to take the lead back, but for the time being, Arsenal is leading the table thanks to goals from Martin Odegaard in the first half and an own goal from Daiki Hashioka.
For the Hatters’ visit, Mikel Arteta made five changes. Luton gave the Gunners a great deal of trouble in their rematch at Kenilworth Road, but this match was much more one-sided. Arteta was allowed to rotate without it detracting from his performance, whereas Arsenal was seldom able to shift out of second gear.
The excellent captain of the hosts scored the first goal in the twenty-fourth minute. Making his first start since January, Emile Smith Rowe, who was used less, found space in Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu’s pocket and feed Kai Havertz, who squared to Odegaard to side-foot the goal. Havertz, who is currently in form, has contributed to five goals in his last six games at the Emirates.
With Smith Rowe involved once more, Arsenal’s second goal completely undid Rob Edwards’s depleted squad (which was missing 11 senior players). The forward escaped wide left and waited for the right moment to tease a cross towards Reiss Nelson’s run, forcing Hashioka to turn into his own net.
With seven games remaining, Luton is three points from safety and still in 18th place, making an increasingly improbable comeback.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta: “I look at our squad in a different way, I want maximise what we have. They [fringe players] have to play. They responded so well, good confidence, physically with rhythm and they’re going to be really important for us.
“When they have a moment they have to take it – they give me every reason every day [to pick them]. I was confident they would respond.”
Asked whether he will be watching Liverpool vs Sheffield United on Thursday, Arteta said: “We’ll be watching it, I love to watch top teams play. That’s what we do.”
Speaking about Bukayo Saka, who was not involved in the matchday squad, he added: “He was close, but he felt something in a similar area against Man City. It was a short turnaround, hopefully he’ll train tomorrow [Thursday] and be available for the weekend.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards: “I’m really proud to represent this football club at the moment. Our supporters understand what we’re going through. It’s difficult. Arsenal give you nothing.
“I saw us create decent openings and get behind them but we didn’t capitalise. The lads are giving us so much out of possession, it’s hard to get on the front foot. But we didn’t go under. You can always guarantee that.
“I’ve believed it from day one [that we can avoid relegation]. I believe in this group. Towards the end of January, I thought ‘I really like what I’m seeing’. We’re competing in this league, but injuries have knocked us.
“I still see a team that’s competing. We’re in it. Arsenal don’t give anything away but we weren’t out of it. The players are with me, they believe, and all their focus has to go onto Saturday now.”
Saturday Night Football returns to action for Arsenal as they take on Brighton in the Premier League.
In the Premier League on Saturday, Luton will also play, hosting Bournemouth.
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