We never gave up: Arteta

Arsenal boss hails team spirit as Rice scores in stoppage time for 4-3 win over Luton to take Gunners atop points table

Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after Declan Rice’s last-gasp goal capped the leaders’ thrilling fightback in their 4-3 win against Luton on Tuesday. 

Rocked by a pair of costly blunders from keeper David Raya, Mikel Arteta’s side trailed 3-2 in the second half of a pulsating clash at Kenilworth Road.

Also Read: Pak skipper Masood hits century on Day One v PM XI

Havertz nets equaliser 

But Arsenal roared back to consolidate their lead at the top of the table thanks to Kai Havertz’s equaliser and Rice’s header deep into stoppage-time. The wild celebrations from Arteta and his players underlined the significance of a gritty escape that will fuel the belief Arsenal can finally win their first title since 2004.  “I’m so happy. We knew it would be a big battle here, we made it hard for ourselves the way we conceded the goals,” Arteta said. 

‘We showed our quality’

“The spirit of the team, how we fought, showed our quality in the right moments and never gave up. We went for it and got our rewards today. Big compliments to Luton, it was a tough night. I’ve spoken with the team, and they are all jumping.” 

Mikel Arteta

Gabriel Martinelli had opened the scoring for Arsenal, with Luton’s Gabriel Osho equalising and Gabriel Jesus restoring the visitors’ advantage just before half-time.

Also Read: ISL 2023-24: Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on Odisha FC seeking redemption for 5-2 defeat

Elijah Adebayo scored Luton’s second equaliser soon after half-time thanks to the first of Raya’s mistakes and Ross Barkley benefitted from another error from the Spaniard. 

But England midfielder Rice had the last word to give Arsenal six successive wins in all competitions since their controversial VAR-aided defeat at Newcastle. 

Second-placed Liverpool can close back to within two points of Arsenal if they win at bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United on Wednesday. 

Arteta’s men have been road warriors since the start of last season—winning 17 away games in that period— and the Gunners’ first trip to Kenilworth Road for 32 years brought their first victory at the venue since 1984. 

Saka strikes in 20th min

They struck first in the 20th minute when Bukayo Saka weaved his way down the right flank for a low cross that Martinelli met with a scuffed finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Undone by a well-worked corner routine, Arsenal were left flat-footed five minutes later as Osho found space to thump his header past Raya from 10 yards for his first Premier League goal. 

Jesus put Arsenal back ahead on the stroke of half-time with a close-range header from Ben White’s looping cross. 

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!