Arsenal vs Luton LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Gunners go top with win over Hatters
Arsenal 2-0 Luton Town: The Gunners move ahead of Liverpool after Martin Odegaard’s strike and Daiki Hashioka’s own goal
Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League with a confident and comfortable display at the Emirates Stadium as they defeated Luton 2-0 in this midweek clash.
For the start Arsenal look in control, passing the ball slickly despite manager Mikel Arteta making five changes and leaving Bukayo Saka out of the matchday squad. Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard combined for the opener with the German squaring a pass to his captain who drilled home with 24 minutes on the clock.
The second came just before half-time and was slightly fortuitous. Emile Smith Rowe darting in from the left pulled a pass back that struck Daiki Hashioka and finished in the back of the net.
There were no nerves from the Gunners in the second half. The managed the game brilliantly, kept Luton’s chances to a minimum and secured all three points.
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Arsenal 2-0 Luton
48 mins: In the other match being played tonight that will affect the title race Manchester City took the lead against Aston Villa before Villa responded with an equaliser.
Arsenal will move further ahead of City as things stand.
Second half! Arsenal 2-0 Luton
Arsenal get the ball rolling again at the Emirates Stadium. They have a comfortable lead and, at present, are heading back to the top of the table.
HT Arsenal 2-0 Luton
Each of Martin Ødegaard’s last three Premier League goals have put Arsenal 1-0 up against one of this season’s promoted sides (also v Burnley in February and Sheff Utd in March), with Arsenal going on to win the previous two 5-0 and 6-0 respectively.
HT Arsenal 2-0 Luton
Reiss Nelson is making his first Premier League start since July 2020 against Liverpool, 1,358 days (3 years, 263 days) ago. Only Mathieu Flamini (5y 162d) and Sol Campbell (3y 296d) have ever had longer gaps between starts for Arsenal in the competition.
HT Arsenal 2-0 Luton
Half-time! Arsenal 2-0 Luton
45+5 mins: After four minutes of added time the teams head down the tunnel for the break. Arsenal are two goals ahead and look comfortable though there has been a bit of fight from Luton.
Another goal for the Gunners and it’s game over though. Luton need to score next after the half-time breather.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Luton (Hasioka OG, 44’)
44 mins: Two for Arsenal!
They add a second just before the break after a scramble in the box. Emile Smith Rowe is slipped into the left side of the box and pulls the ball back towards Reiss Nelson.
He’s being tracked by Daiki Hashioka who doesn’t know a great deal about it as the ball runs into his standing leg and diverts into the back of the net.
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
41 mins: Save! Ben White spins towards goal inside the final third and picks out Reiss Nelson who threads a pass into the box for Kai Havertz.
Havertz drills a shot towards the near post but Thomas Kaminski drops low to deny him again. Great save.
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
40 mins: Trossard tries a threaded pass into the box for Havertz but Mengi squeezes ahead of the forward and forces him wide of the ball.
It’s solid defending and the centre-back releases the ball for Luton to drive forward.
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
37 mins: Teden Mengi took a knock off Reiss Nelson but won the ball and a free kick for Luton as they attempt to clear their lines. Kaminski boots it long and tries to pick out Carlton Morris over on the right side of the pitch.
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