Luton Town vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Declan Rice nets late winner
Luton 3-4 Arsenal: Rice’s last-gasp winner puts the Gunners five points clear
Declan Rice scored a last-gasp winner to settle a seven-goal thriller at Luton, sparing the blushes of goalkeeper David Raya to send Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Luton had looked on course to land a thoroughly deserved draw after two errors from Raya had seen them hit the front - only for the Gunners to rally and win it 4-3 at the death.
Raya embraced Rice at the full-time whistle after Kai Havertz had earlier drawn the visitors level in what proved to be a thrilling contest at Kenilworth Road.
The visitors had led 2-1 at half-time as Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored either side of a Gabriel Osho equaliser.
Raya, whose role as Arteta’s number one continues to be in the spotlight with Aaron Ramsdale warming the bench, then gifted two goals to Luton in the space of eight minutes as Elijah Adebayo and Ross Barkley turned the game on its head.
Havertz appeared to have salvaged a point for Arsenal but they pushed on to the last and £105million summer signing Rice nodded in a fine Martin Odegaard cross to wrap up the victory.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
We are entering the period of the game in which both managers - but mainly Arteta - will be considering a change or two. Arsenal have not got going at all in this second half.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
Odegaard sends a decent delivery into the box and it is met by Havertz. He is rather stationary, though, and is unable to guide his header on target.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
The offside flag goes up to deny Saka in a bit of a chaotic period, but VAR wants to check an earlier incident. Kiwior is caught by Townsend, possibly on the edge of the box. Alternatively, it may well be that they are looking at Kiwior catching Townsend on the shin.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 32 Premier League matches when leading at half-time (W29, D3), dating back to January 2022 against Manchester City (1-2). Can Luton score another to pull off an almighty upset?
Luton Town vs Arsenal
Doughty does brilliantly to get in between two Arsenal players as he charges into the box from the left. He looks to pick out a team-mate in the middle, but the delivery is cut out. From the next attacking wave, Townsend's long-range drive deflects behind.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
Luton have started the second half the brighter of the two sides. Townsend shows some trickery and sends a cross into the box from the right, but it is as simple as you like for Raya to gather under his crossbar.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
The hosts get us back under way at Kenilworth Road. Neither manager has made any changes to their personnel at half-time.
Luton Town vs Arsenal
Luton boss Edwards will be pretty happy with the overall first-half performance from his side. The hosts did well to disrupt play and keep Arsenal quiet for the majority of the half, although the Gunners did still manage to find a couple of goals. While there is still just the one goal in it, Town have a chance of taking a point from this game.
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