Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the English Premier League on Tuesday after Declan Rice’s last-gasp goal capped the leaders’ thrilling fightback in their 4-3 win against Luton Town.
Rocked by a pair of costly blunders from goalkeeper David Raya, manager Mikel Arteta’s side trailed 3-2 in the second half of a pulsating clash at Kenilworth Road.
Yet Arsenal roared back to consolidate their lead at the top of the table thanks to Kai Havertz’s equalizer and Rice’s header deep into stoppage-time.
Photo: AFP
The wild celebrations from Arteta and his players underlined the significance of a gritty escape that is likely to fuel the belief that Arsenal can finally win their first title since 2004.
“I’m so happy. We knew it would be a big battle here; we made it hard for ourselves the way we conceded the goals,” Arteta said. “The spirit of the team, how we fought, showed our quality in the right moments and never gave up. We went for it and got our rewards today.”
“Big compliments to Luton, it was a tough night. I’ve spoken with the team, and they are all jumping,” he said.
Gabriel Martinelli had opened the scoring for Arsenal, with Luton’s Gabriel Osho equalizing and Gabriel Jesus restoring the visitors’ advantage just before halftime.
Elijah Adebayo scored Luton’s second equalizer soon after halftime thanks to the first of Raya’s errors, and Ross Barkley benefited from another error from the Spaniard.
However, England midfielder Rice had the last word to give Arsenal six successive wins in all competitions since their controversial video assistant referee-aided defeat at Newcastle United.
Arteta’s men have been road warriors since the start of last season — winning 17 away games in that period — and the Gunners’ first trip to Kenilworth Road for 32 years brought their first victory at the venue since 1984.
In Tuesday’s other game, Hwang Hee-chan sealed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-0 win against Burnley at Molineux.
Hwang’s ninth goal of the season settled the affair when he netted in the 42nd minute, teed up by Matheus Cunha after Burnley surrendered possession too easily.
Burnley remain second bottom after an eighth defeat in their last nine games, while Wolves climb to 12th place.
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