Declan Rice rescues Arsenal at death after David Raya clangers at Luton – 5 talking points
Despite two errors from David Raya, Arsenal went five points clear at the top of the Premier League standings with a late winner from Declan Rice.
The Gunners twice gave up a lead by surrendering from corners, with Raya under pressure in goal as Aaron Ramsdale watched from the bench. Mikel Arteta will be overjoyed with the victory, as he has kept Liverpool and Manchester City at bay ahead of their games on Wednesday.
Gabriel Martinelli scored the goal after receiving a feed from Bukayo Saka, but Luton levelled minutes later with Gabriel Osho’s header from a corner. Despite saves from Saka and Martinelli, Arsenal headed into halftime leading 2-1 thanks to Gabriel Jesus’ easy header from Ben White’s cross.
They couldn’t keep their lead for long this time, with Raya to blame as Elijah Adebayo rose highest to head in another corner in the 49th minute. Raya’s horror continued when Ross Barkley shot beneath his body to give Luton a 3-2 lead. Following some poor defending from the hosts, Jesus found Kai Havertz to equalize three minutes later.
Arsenal turned the screw late, but Kaminski pushed over a Havertz header and Rob Edwards’ side appeared to be holding on until Rice headed in Martin Odegaard’s cross in the 96th minute. Here are some key takeaways from a really interesting game.
Declan Rice rescues Arsenal at death after David Raya clangers at Luton – 5 talking points
Hero to zero
The game sprung into life in odd circumstances after a slow start. Kaminski sent out an overhit back-pass for a throw-in, but it bounced back off the hoarding right into the arms of Gabriel Jesus, who took a quick throw to allow Saka to pick out Martinelli for the opener.
It was the first shot of the game, and Luton replicated the trick five minutes later, scoring with their first effort on goal. Martinelli was at fault for the equalizer after scoring the first, putting in a half-hearted attempt when marking Osho, who planted his free header into the corner of the net. Martinelli shirked his duties as a man-marker in Arsenal’s ordinarily very efficient hybrid system, hoping that one of his teammates would head clear. They didn’t, and it cost them dearly.
Jesus proves Arteta right
Jesus’ work rate and overall contribution to Arsenal’s play has never been in question. But his goal-scoring ability has not. The Brazilian striker has only scored 16 goals in 47 games since his £45 million move from Manchester City, and he had only one goal in the Premier League this season, which came in early September.
“We need goals from him, that’s for sure,” Arteta stated ahead of the encounter. “He has scored a lot of goals for us, and he can still improve in that area, just as he can in other areas.” He is aware of this and is attempting to do so, but there is so much that he contributes that it is difficult to quantify. But I am quite pleased with his overall performance.”
When White arrived at the byline and propped up a crucifix at the back post, Jesus arrived just in time to nod in. Arsenal may use some consistency from their key man in front of goal in the coming weeks.
Raya reignites goalkeeper debate
When Arteta stated at the outset of the season that Arsenal would not have a first-choice keeper this season, he must have understood what he was getting himself into. Despite his protests, Raya has done exactly that, keeping Aaron Ramsdale on the bench. And this was not a good night for the on-loan keeper.
Raya was not to blame for the first goal, but he was virtually entirely responsible for the second. He was put off by the mere presence of Andros Townsend and then failed to beat Adebayo to the ball despite having the advantage of being able to use both hands.
When Barkley got some space against White and threw a low shot at him, he still appeared shaken by the blunder. Raya didn’t react quickly enough, allowing the shot to slither beneath him. Arteta will have to face inquiries about his keeper once more.
Barkley turns back time
As soft as Luton’s third goal was from an Arsenal perspective, it was also representative of Luton’s adventure and quality, with two experienced Premier League combatants at its heart. Barkley received the ball in the centre circle, skipped past Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Odegaard, and fed Townsend before receiving the ball back.
Barkley dribbled past White and struck low for his first Premier League goal since the final day of the 2021/22 season, when he scored for Chelsea against Watford. Barkley was enjoying his 30th birthday, and it was encouraging to see the former Everton man resembling the player he once was. With Odegaard off the boil, he was the best performer on either side in the middle of the pitch.
Declan Rice rescues Arsenal at death after David Raya clangers at Luton – 5 talking points
Rice stands up tall
What a fitting conclusion to the game. Arsenal appeared to be having a nightmarish night, with the manner of the goals conceded hurting. Liverpool knew they needed to win here before facing bottom-placed Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Last season, the wheels came off in the New Year due to Manchester City’s relentlessness. Arsenal will remember nights like this fondly if they find themselves in a similar situation at the conclusion of the season. Rice cost them £105 million in the summer, and he appears to be worth every penny.
