By Taiwo Ibrahim
Mikel Arteta has reserved special praises for Declan Rice following his winning goal in the entertaining 4-3 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Rice handed the visitors the maximum points with a glancing header from Odegaard’s cross in the 97th-minute.
Gabriel Martinelli produced a superb finish from a Bukayo Saka’s cross in the 20th minute to give Arsenal the lead.
Five minutes later, Gabriel Osho brought Luton Town back into the game with a well-placed header.
Gabriel Jesus regained Arsenal’s lead with a header on the stroke of halftime to make it 2-1.
Four minutes after the restart, Elijah Adebayo restored parity for Luton Town after Raya miscalculated a Doughty delivery from a corner.
Ross Barkley put Luton Town in the lead with a low drive which Raya fumbled into the net just before the hour mark to make it 3-2.
Kai Havertz equalised for Arsenal on the hour mark with a close range finish.
Declan Rice further underlined his importance for Arsenal with another vital goal at the death to snatch the maximum points for the Gunners.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta hailed Declan Rice’s impact since joining the club.
“He had an incredible game again. The leadership, the quality that he’s showing every week, every game it is getting better and better. And then in the opponent’s box, he’s got that ability and that smell to get put the ball in the back of the net”.
He also provided an update on Tomiyasu’s injury.
“We had a scan and it’s not good news. He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while I think”.
Arsenal will be back in Premier League duties with a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, while Luton Town take on Manchester City on Sunday.