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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
Relive the action below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
34 mins: Chance! Thomas Kaminski denies Emile Smith Rowe from close range.
Martin Odegaard receives the ball on the edge of the box before slipping it through to Smith Rowe. He shoots with his first touch and forces Kaminski to dive across to his left to keep out the effort.
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
33 mins: Luton are seeing more possession now as the urgency seems to have been eroded from Arsenal’s play. Fred Onyedinma attempts to sneak into the box from the right but can’t control the ball and Gabriel clears the danger.
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
30 mins: Alfie Doughty gets the ball in an advanced position but there are none of his teammates inside the box. Luton’s formation sets them up deep and they’ve got to work to get up the pitch.
When the cross comes in the Gunners clear it without issue.
Arsenal 1-0 Luton
27 mins: Carlton Morris makes David Raya work as Luton almost strike back immediately. He turns a cross straight into the arms of the Arsenal goalkeeper but it’s a good response from the visitors.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Luton (Odegaard, 24’)
24 mins: There’s the opener!
A square ball in midfield sees Mpanzu bullied off the ball by Emile Smith Rowe. He sends it up to Kai Havertz who brings it to the edge of the box before slipping a pass across to Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard sets himself then drills the shot into the bottom corner!
Arsenal 0-0 Luton
24 mins: Leandro Trossard looks the hungriest to score for Arsenal. Firstly he creates a chance for Havertz with a dart down the left before picking out the forward with a cross.
When that attack falls apart he intercepts a pass and shoots from the left side of the area only for his effort to get blocked.
Arsenal 0-0 Luton
21 mins: The Gunners have had 80% possession over the opening 20 minutes or so but they’ve yet to create a truly good chance at goal yet.
Players such as Smith Rowe, Partey and Nelson are finding their feet after a lack of gametime.
Arsenal 0-0 Luton
18 mins: Ross Barkley does brilliantly on Luton’s left wing. He holds the ball up to draw in a couple of the Arsenal defenders before slotting a pass through to Jordan Clark.
He strides towards the box and looks for a cutback but the pass hits a red shirt and Arsenal run it away.
Arsenal 0-0 Luton
15 mins: Havertz and Trossard combine on the left side of the pitch to bring the ball into the penalty area. It’s squared across to Emile Smith Rowe who just can’t control the ball on his way through the gap between the central defenders.
A good touch there and he’s in on goal.
Arsenal 0-0 Luton
12 mins: Issa Kabore is playing on the left side of defence for Luton tonight and takes no chance when the ball comes over the top towards Reiss Nelson. He smokes it out of play and lets his teammates get back into formation to defend the throw in.
As a Muslim Kabore is fasting for Ramadam. The teams agreed before the match that he would be allowed a drink and a quick bite to eat at sunset so he jogs off to the side of the pitch to do so.
Less than a minute later, play is back underway.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments