Mikel Arteta bailed out by Declan Rice and must now admit his David Raya mistake
Victories do not come much later or more dramatic.
Just when all hope seemed lost after a crazy, topsy turvy night at Kenilworth Road, Declan Rice delivered a dream finish for Arsenal. Rice, the £105m midfielder, has already shown his worth since joining in the summer but this was a truly priceless goal to put Arsenal five points clear at the top.
Yes, they have played a game more but nights like these are the mark of champions as they salvaged the most dramatic win. Twice Arsenal surrendered a lead, they even went behind and yet still somehow dug out a victory from the jaws of defeat.
It was another seriously bad night for Arsenal keeper David Raya who dropped two clangers and surely it is time for Mikel Arteta to bring back fans’ favourite Aaron Ramsdale.
Raya could not handle Luton’s height and power from set pieces as the home side terrorised Arsenal all night and more teams will struggle at Kenilworth Road now they have found their feet. It is such a tight ground, a real cauldron, it feels no-one has any time or space and Luton pushed Arsenal to the brink.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
But big teams come through challenges and big players respond and no-one can question just how important Rice has become for Arsenal. Arsenal’s front three - Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli - were kicked and harried all night as Luton defended as if their lives depended on it but it was more than just rough house tactics.
David Raya had an uncomfortable evening against Luton (Getty Images)Should Arsenal stick with David Raya? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Luton were terrific and Arsenal were pushed to the limit - and came through the other side. If they do get crowned champions next May, they will look back upon this night. It looked comfortable when Arsenal went ahead after 20 minutes. Jesus chased down a pass back to Thomas Kaminski, the Luton keeper was rushed into putting the ball out of play.
Jesus’ quick throw put in Bukayo Saka, his cut back for Gabriel Martinelli who fired Arsenal ahead with a low shot into the bottom corner. Incredibly, that made it 19 goal contributions from Saka’s last 21 appearances which just underlines his value.
But Luton did not crumble. In fact, they roared back. They put Arsenal under pressure, forced a corner and Alfie Doughty’s cross found Luton defender Gabriel Osho unmarked in the box and his powerful header flew past keeper Raya.
Declan Rice powers home Arsenal's winner vs Luton (Getty Images)Arsenal got a second in the 45th minute. Saka and Ben White combined, White then crossed and in came Jesus to power home a header from close range. Arsenal must have thought they would take charge. But back came Luton again. Another Doughty corner caused chaos in the box, Raya came for the ball but did not get there. Elijah Adebayo headed home from close range. Howler No1.
Eight minutes later, Luton took the lead against all of the odds. Barkley got the ball in his own half, powered forward, swapped passes with Andros Townsend and then the ex-England midfielder fired a low shot which went straight through Raya. Howler No2.
But Luton’s lead lasted all of three minutes. Saka played the ball forward, Jesus touched it on and there was Kai Havertz first to react to force the ball past Kaminski to level on the hour. Arsenal looked to have run out of time. Then Oleksandr Zinchenko fed Martin Odegaard, the Arsenal skipper put over a cross and there was Rice to glance home into the bottom corner and send the away fans wild.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
