Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after securing a comfortable 2-0 win over relegation threatened Luton Town.
A first half strike from Martin Odegaard along with an own goal from Daiki Hashioka were enough to send Mikel Arteta’s side back to the summit after a dominant victory. Luton remain in the drop zone, three points from safety.
Here are five things we learned from the game…
Smith Rowe impresses on return
Arsenal fans would have been delighted to see Emile Smith Rowe return to the starting eleven against Luton. It hadn’t been since September 2023 that the Gunners number ten had started a match for Mikel Arteta’s side, and his inclusion brought a welcome applause from the Arsenal faithful. The 23-year-old showed little rustiness, with his constant forward thinking and aggressive approach a disruption to Luton’s game plan. Smith Rowe’s aggression was what led to the north Londoner’s opener, before assisting Arsenal’s second. It was a well deserved standing ovation for the 23-year-old when he was substituted late on.
Second string Arsenal get the job done
Mikel Arteta made five changes to the starting eleven that faced Manchester City on Sunday, and after a slow start to the match, delivered the goods. Thomas Partey; Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson all came in and performed as expected against a Luton side fighting for survival. Arteta spoke in his pre-match press conference about his want for 22 players of similar quality, and tonight showed that this team is not far off that. Tonights performance lays bare that the fringe players can step up to perform when needed.
Time’s running out for Luton’s survival bid, but there’s still time
This week could not have come at a worse time for Luton Town. Whilst Rob Edwards’ side are still looking competitive in every match they take part in, they are picking up the points required. Of the bottom seven clubs in the Premier League who played on the weekend and this week, the Hatters are the only ones not to have secured a point. Nottingham Forest’s win means the gap between the drop zone has been increased, whilst Burnley and Sheffield United picking valuable points up will have the Bedfordshire outfit looking over their shoulder. But the way Luton play, survival can never be ruled out.
Another match, another clean sheet
Since the turn of the year, Arsenal have been on another planet defensively compared to their rivals. In the ten matches played in 2024, the Gunners have lost none, won nine, and conceded a grand total of four goals. Whilst their attacking displays have been something to marvel in, it has been their defensive acumen that has been the most eye catching. The partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has been nothing short of incredible, with David Raya proving himself to be a very capable top level goalkeeper after a nervous start to his Arsenal career.
Ross Barkley a Euro 2024 outsider?
It is always good fun watching Ross Barkley playing football when he is in top form. The 30-year-old was making his 26th consecutive start for Luton tonight, and despite a disappointing performance all round from the team, Barkley stuck out with yet another positive performance. The midfielder is arguably in his best form since his Everton days, and after years hampered by injury and poor performances, it is just nice to see the Evertonian enjoying his football once again. A powerful runner, with sensational ball retention skills, it would be no surprise if Gareth Southgate were to make him a surprise selection for Euro 2024. Sadly for Barkley, that looks unlikely, with it clear Southgate prefers other options.
