Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League as they secured a comfortable 2-0 win against relegation-threatened Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Despite making five changes to the side that drew 0-0 at Manchester City on Sunday, the hosts looked sharp in the first half with Emile Smith Rowe playing a starring role in only his second league start since October. It was Smith Rowe who started the move that opened the scoring on 23 minutes, stealing possession in the Luton half before feeding Martin Odegaard. Arsenal’s skipper then exchanged passes with Kai Havertz before drilling a lovely first-time finish past Thomas Kaminski.
The hosts doubled their lead just before the break and Smith Rowe was again at the heart of the move. The 23-year-old was played in down the left by Leandro Trossard, and having got to the touchline, he sent in a cross which was turned into his own net by Daiki Hashioka.
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Goalkeeper & Defence
David Raya (6/10):
Didn’t have anything to do in terms of saves, but swept up well as usual.
Ben White (8/10):
Produced one turn to help set up a chance for Havertz that drew gasps from the Emirates.
William Saliba (7/10):
As calm as always. Relatively untroubled, but whenever he was put under pressure he escaped it well.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):
Another fine performance. Had one moment of misunderstanding with Zinchenko, but other than that a solid night once again.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (7/10):
A few misplaced passes, but that will always be the case given the sort of passes he attempts. Looked tired in the second half and was replaced.
Midfield
Thomas Partey (7/10):
His first Premier League start since August and there were some really positive signs. Tired as the game went on, but that was to be expected. Could be a crucial player over the run-in.
Emile Smith Rowe (8/10):
Really good display after so long without a start. It was his pressing that led to the first goal and then he set up the second himself. Really bright before understandably fading in the second half.
Martin Odegaard (8/10):
Excellent yet again, especially in the first half. Superb finish to break the deadlock. One pass he played to set up a chance for Smith Rowe was sublime.
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Attack
Leandro Trossard (6/10):
In and out of the game. One Cruyff turn to deceive Townsend was a real highlight.
Kai Havertz (7/10):
Lovely assist for Odegaard’s goal. He now has 12 goal contributions in the league this season, more than he ever managed in a season for Chelsea. Was a real handful in the first half. Stupid booking for diving after the break.
Reiss Nelson (6/10):
Worked hard, but didn’t really look on the same wavelength as his team-mates at times. Set up one good chance for Havertz. Looked like he had scored the second, but was actually an own goal..jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
