Arsenal managed to win against Luton, even without Bukayo Saka, and they’re now back at the top of the Premier League table.

By Ameer Hamza On Apr 4, 2024

Martin Odegaard scored his 30th Premier League goal for Arsenal. He is the ninth player from Norway to reach the milestone

Saaka, who is the highest goalscorer, remains injured from the Man City matchup last weekend, so he can’t participate. Despite line-up and position changes, the team of Mikel Arteta closed the gap and even managed to climb back to the top of the table taking Lakeorie below.

It was in the 24th minute that an attack was initiated by Martin Odegaard who made the first goal for the team after Emile Smith Rowe took the ball from the visitor. The Gunners took the lead, then again in the very last moments of the first half to the Arsenal.

Amid the game, teammate Daiki Hashioka of the Japan harmony chamber saw the opportunity and scored an own goal by accidentally misplacing the ball on his goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski in the 44th minute whilst trying to close down the space when Reiss Nelson was too close to him in the penalty area.

To lose Luton, crutches made him put his faith on the bench as a substitute to a 16-year-old secondary school defensive player.

They didn’t allow Arsenal anything in their draw, and David Raya, the team’s goalie, saved Ross Barkley’s free-kick just before the break.

Arsenal, instead, passed the test with flying colors, taking just 3 points away from Liverpool and leaving behind 69 points, which is just one point fewer than the latter, who face Sheffield United next. Manchester City is in 3rd position behind the leader with 67 points after a 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

Gunners complete the task

Following their impressive 0-0 result against Manchester City, decisively beating Luton was the obvious next step for The Gunners`. The top three teams are at podium places only on a point margin so goal difference info might be relevant to decide the title race. The Reds’ 21st win of the season gave them a +48 goal difference. Only Liverpool (+40) and Manchester City (+38) could leapfrog the leaders.

Arteta had a change of team for the game against Luton; he gave rest to Gabriel Jesus and to other notable players who would compete in the Champs League second-round match and against Bayern Munich, F.C. in the coming days. Unsurprisingly, Arsenal won the match against Luton with quite little trouble at hand.

This has been a moment of respite for several backup players who got a chance to do their best. Mateo, who is playing his first PL game since 2020, got a starting role.

Smith Rowe and Partey for the first time had a chance to play. One of the main objectives for Arsenal in the week to come will be to have Saka back in form in the game against Brighton on Saturday, 11th September.

But, Havertz’s is still offending, mate. He’s convincing the audience why he is, probably, the most important in the crucial games, closer to the end of the season. He assisted in Odegaard’s two-goal key contribution (eight goals in the Premier League). In total, he’s been part of 12 goals this season (8 goals, 4 assists), his best in a single Premier League season.

Luton has to start winning again, no shame in that.

Given the fact that Luton was going to face hard-line Arsenal with two players being injured, it was always going to be a challenge to win the game. If we can say goodbye after this match by conceding only two goals to the club chasing the Premier League and Champions League titles at the same time, then it is fine after all.

As Arsenal smashed through Luton, it was all of Luton that showed a lot of strength in their game plan and did not make things too easy for the winners.

Finding themselves facing the same threat of demotion, Edwards and his team must offer themselves the credit of competing hard and giving their very best, despite being in the league with the lowest budget.

On the other side, the Haters, who happen to be 3 points away from safety, won the last match in the last 10 matches played and need to fix things. The five games in a row with Bournemouth, Brentford, Everton, and Fulham are so critical and one must keep winning to be on the winning side.

Player of the match

William Saliba

with an average of 7.54

Final Words

The entire Arsenal team’s victory against Luton when Bukayo Saka was absent provided a forefront for their resolve and formula, which was designed by Mikel Arteta. Arsenal celebrated a 2-0 win after Martin Odegaard, whose long pass confused another winger named Daiki Hashioka exposing the goal to Arsenal’s midfielder resulting in a lovely own goal for the Gunners.

Such victory put Arsenal back at the top of the Premier League table. Despite it all, the Stripe were victorious by their iron will and ability to carry the day showing great promise to win the league. Besides Havertz’s great performance, switching Saka back to the team, who is also a promising player, promises a bright outlook for Arsenal, who are still fighting for a spot in the Premier League next season.

However, Luton, which is an underdog, demonstrated that it has spirit and can deal with troubles when they are facing another team that is strong and competent. Overall, Arsenal won quite convincingly and they are well-prepared for their future matches and also have the determination and confidence which gives them an advantage.