Arteta gives credits to Luton after seven-goal game

Arsenal moved five points clear of Liverpool and six points clear of Manchester City after enduring a total scare at Kenilworth road against Luton Town in a 4-3 win on Tuesday in the Premier League, which needed a late strike from summer signing Declan Rice. 

Mikel Arteta’s side continued their impressive run of form to secure their sixth victory in their last six matches in all competitions, and they also boosted the points gap between themselves and their fellow title challengers who play on Wednesday.

While Manchester City travel to Aston Villa, Liverpool are away to Sheffield United all on Wednesday. Arsenal’s victory didn’t come easy as Luton Town matched the energy of the title contenders after Gabriel Martinelli’s opener 20 minutes into the game.

The Hatters equalized five minutes later through Gabriel Osho before the visitors took the lead into halftime courtesy of Gabriel Jesus. The first 12 minutes of the second half went Luton Town’s way as they quickly equalized in the 49th minute through Elijah Adebayo before Ross Barkley put them 3-2 ahead in the 57th minute.

Although Kai Havertz was able to put the visitors back on level terms on the hour mark, the winner did not come on till late into the second half stoppage time when Declan Rice scored the winner for the Gunners.

The result was a delight for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who admitted that his team made the win difficult for themselves.

“So happy. We knew it would be a big battle here; we made it hard for ourselves the way we conceded the goals. 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. Credit to them [Luton]. Their delivery was excellent, the finishing was excellent, and sometimes you have to credit the opponent. Big compliments to them; it was a tough night.” Arteta said.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu