Declan Rice struck with a last-gasp header to break Luton hearts and send Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League after a thrilling 4-3 victory for Mikel Arteta’s team at Kenilworth Road.
The Gunners looked to be missing out on the chance to extend their lead over Liverpool and Man City after a battling display from Luton, but Rice’s header 23 seconds into the seventh minute of a minimum of six additional minutes sparked dramatic celebrations amongst the Arsenal fans and players.
Luton went toe-to-toe with the league leaders in the early stages, but Arsenal pounced after Thomas Kaminski had to kick the ball out of play following a poor back pass, Bukayo Saka teeing up Gabriel Martinelli for the opener (20) to undo all the home side’s good early work.
All was not lost for Luton, though, and they responded minutes later through Gabriel Osho’s header (25) to lift the noise levels at Kenilworth Road once again.
Declan Rice headed in the winner for Arsenal deep into added time
However, Arteta’s side quietened the atmosphere once again on the stroke of half-time as Gabriel Jesus headed home from close range to restore the visitors’ lead.
David Raya was once again in the spotlight early in the second half as his errors allowed Luton to turn the game on its head with goals from Elijah Adebayo (49) and Ross Barkley (57), but Arsenal found a response through Kai Havertz (60) to bring the game level again.
There was plenty of time left for a winner and Arsenal’s dominance grew, but roared on by the home fans, Rob Edwards’ side looked to be heading for a valuable point but Rice’s heroics broke Luton’s resistance and kept his side’s title challenge firmly on track.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Luton will play live on Sky Sports this weekend as they take on Man City in the Premier League on Super Sunday, kick-off 2pm. On Saturday December 16, they travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League, kick-off 3pm.
Arsenal are also on Sky Sports this weekend as they travel to Aston Villa on Saturday Night Football, kick-off 5.30pm. They then play their final Champions League group game on Tuesday December 12 away to PSV Eindhoven, kick-off 5.45pm.