Heading into Tuesday’s match at Kenilworth Road as underdogs, Rob Edwards’ side would need to produce a spirited performance if they were to deny Arsenal the opportunity to move five points clear at the helm of the Premier League table.
LUT: Kaminski, Mengi, Osho, Bell, Kaboré, Mpanzu, Barkley, Doughty, Brown, Townsend, Adebayo
ARS: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli
Luton seemed to be holding their own in the opening spell, but in an unfortunate event, Gabriel Martinelli found a way to put the Gunners 1-0 up. The defence fell asleep on a quick throw-in from Gabriel Jesus, with Bukayo Saka then cutting it back for his opposite winger, who was left with the simple task of netting it in from close range.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut just five minutes later, Luton Town made it clear that they weren’t going to go down without a fight though, as Gabriel Osho equalised with a bullet header after being left unmarked during a corner.
Jesus drove his team up the pitch in the 30th minute and teed Martinelli up, and while the Arsenal man had no right to get a shot off, the home defence could only stand and watch as Thomas Kaminski produced a fine save.
Saka wanted a piece of the action; he picked up the ball and then successfully evaded both Doughty and Bell with a stepover before searching for glory – Kaminski would prove his worth once more, denying the Englishman.
Arsenal looked determined to end the half on a high note with their attacking display, and did just that when Ben White clipped the ball to the back post for the waiting Jesus to nod in.
Luton looked to pose more danger at the start of the second half, and once more Arsenal would be dismantled from a corner. Just four minutes into the final period, Elijah Adebayo leaped to the ball before Raya to square the game at two apiece.
Embed from Getty ImagesRoss Barkley gave Kenilworth even more to shout about as he put them 3-2 up on the night. The former Chelsea and Everton midfielder was unchallenged in the phase leading up to the goal, striking through the hands of David Raya to send the home crowd into raptures.
Luton weren’t ahead for long though, and at the turn of a head, it was 3-3! A long ball over the top exposed Luton’s backline, as it found Jesus who in turn dropped it off for Kai Havertz – with the German flicking it past the goalkeeper.
Havertz thought he’d scored again with a header late on after Jesus delivered the ball in, but Luton’s number one managed to tip it over the bar.
With seconds ticking away, it looked like Luton were going to hold on for a historic result. Martin Ødegaard threw this into doubt when his searching cross into the box found Rice, who proceeded to head in the winner in an unbelievable scene of wild celebrations.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt doesn’t get any easier for Luton Town this weekend, as they welcome Manchester City to Kenilworth Road. Arsenal are on the road once again, heading to Villa Park on Saturday evening.
