Arsenal kept the pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League title race with a comfortable 2-0 win over Luton Town on Wednesday.
The Gunners moved back top of the table, doing all they can to fire a waring to Liverpool ahead of their meeting with Sheffield United on Thursday night, and had captain Martin Odegaard to thank for opening the scoring midway through the first half.
The Norwegian’s laser-like finish preceded an unfortunate own goal from Daiki Hashioka just before the interval, and from then on it was cruise control for Mikel Arteta’s side as they made it 12 wins from 15 Premier League home games.
Here’s Arsenal’s best and worst players on the night measured by 90min’s on the night player ratings.
Emile Smith Rowe – 8/10
For just the third time this season, Emile Smith Rowe was given the chance to start a Premier League game, and the 23-year-old ensured the rare opportunity to impress did not pass him by.
It was his work rate and defensive tenacity that led to the opening goal of the game, before Smith Rowe’s low cross was turned into the back of the net by Luton defender Hashioka to kill the game off.
Battling for minutes with Declan Rice is a tough task, but performances like this will give Arteta a welcome headache.
Honourable mention
Martin Odegaard – 8/10
It was the midfield show for Arsenal as, alongside Smith Rowe, Odegaard danced his way around Luton all game long.
His fierce strike set the tone for the game as Odegaard’s outstanding form continued. On form, there are few players in the Premier League better than the Gunners’ captain.
Leandro Trossard – 5/10
Bukayo Saka was left out because of injury, while Gabriel Martinelli was once again limited to a short appearance off the bench as he seeks his own return to fitness. So the onus was on Leandro Trossard to lead by example in Arsenal’s attack.
It was a mixed showing from the Belgian who, while not getting much wrong, was a little quieter that expected, forcing the midfielder’s behind him to step up and bring the goals.