Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Luton marked the beginning of a crucial month in their hunt for silverware, as they went back to the top of the Premier League table.
With his tenth goal of the year, Martin Odegaard put the Gunners on a path to an easy evening at Emirates Stadium.
Before halftime, Daiki Hashioka’s own goal sealed the victory for Mikel Arteta’s team, who had maintained their unblemished top-flight record in 2024 by rallying from a hard-fought goalless draw with championship contenders Manchester City.
Arsenal’s recent run at the top could prove short-lived as Liverpool takes on Sheffield United on Thursday night, the bottom team. There will be many tougher tests in the upcoming weeks.
Injury-hit Despite being winless in their last ten games, Luton is only three points from safety and offered little threat in north London, as they failed to score for the first time in 19 league games.
The first of eight games in April, which includes a Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Bayern Munich, was started by Gunners manager Arteta with five different starting lineups than the tenacious draw against Pep Guardiola’s defending champions on Easter Sunday.
As part of the rotation, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe were given exceptional chances to shine; Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus were among those sitting on the bench. Bukayo Saka was not present.
Among Luton’s less spectacular substitutes were four teenagers, including 16-year-old Christian Chigozie, and two goalkeepers.
A staunch Hatters starting lineup, including three changes, held out against Arsenal’s persistent possession until being undone in the 24th minute by costly defensive indecision.
Inside the visitors’ half, Smith Rowe dispossessed the sluggish Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu. Then, skipper Odegaard exchanged passes with Kai Havertz, launching a first-time left-footed finish past Thomas Kaminski.
After excellent saves from Havertz and Smith Rowe by goalie Kaminski, Luton settled in and appeared to be only one goal behind at half.
But, only one minute before halftime, Japan defender Hashioka unintentionally turned Smith Rowe’s low center into his own goal, dealing a serious blow to Rob Edwards’ team.
Four days after the Hatters’ narrow 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Saturday, the team in 18th place returned to the capital.
During a one-sided first half, Ross Barkley’s long-range free-kick was their lone effort on goal, easily gathered by David Raya.
In the beginning of December, Arsenal needed a stunning late winner from England midfielder Rice to win 4-3 and leave Kenilworth Road.
Yet in this case, no such heroics were required as a lot more restrained second half went by incident-free to maintain their title challenge.
In preparation for their European first-leg match against Bayern next week, Arsenal will play again on Saturday night at Brighton, while Luton will continue to fight for their lives against Bournemouth at home.
(Liveacore)
