Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his players after a much-rotated Arsenal eased to a 2-0 victory against Luton that temporarily returns the Gunners to the top of the table.
The Spaniard made five changes to the side that started against Manchester City on Sunday with Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Reiss Nelson and Leandro Trossard all coming into the starting lineup.
Martin Odegaard produced a clinical finish on 24 minutes to open the scoring before Daiki Hashioka put through his own net on a night when the visitors had lots of the ball but little threat in the final third.
“I’m very happy,” said Arteta after the game. “It was a really difficult game and credit to Luton, they are a very good side and make it difficult for us.
“We scored two really good goals in the first half, in the second half because of the way they play we didn’t get the right rhythm.
“I am so happy with the boys who came in, they made a difference. Now we have a bigger squad with nearly everyone fit and available.”
Emile Smith Rowe, making his first start since the end of January, was the standout player in the first half making telling contributions that led to both goals.
The England international stole possession to spark the move leading to Odegaard’s equaliser and later produced the cutback that forced Hashioka, under pressure from Reiss Nelson, to score past his own keeper. He was rightly awarded the man of the match award.
“I was really impressed with him,” said Arteta “He has been training really well and we felt the game could suit us. I’m really pleased for the boys who came in.
“It is a busy month, we have started well again after an international break and next is Brighton.”
The Gunners head to the Amex Stadium on Saturday evening hoping to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games.
Onward. Really happy with boys. Let’s keep the good vibes rolling.
Love ESR. I think and believe he can make a difference for us when he plays.
That was a game we just needed 3 points and to rest key players ahead of a gruelling next few matches. It wasn’t pretty, but our defensive foundation is good enough to see us through games like this when the attack is disjointed and lacking insiveness. Good to see ESR, but he’s not going to get many more minutes. Personally I think he’s going to be sold this summer. He’s wasted on the bench.
Great to see ESR starting, being the standout player AND proving that he can play alongside Odegaard effectively.
It’s something I’ve been hoping to see for what seems like forever.
I just hope he gets more trust from Arteta and more opportunities and goes on a little run, I’d certainly put him ahead of Fabio Vieira at present.
I just can’t forget what an amazing starlet he was when him and Saka first burst through. I still hold out hope that he can turn things around.
The Smith was the highlight of the game for me, great to see him back..Love him