Arsenal, City win to keep pressure on Liverpool
Arsenal have launched a pivotal month in their pursuit of silverware by returning to the top of the Premier League table thanks to a routine 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Luton Town.
Martin Odegaard’s 10th goal of the season set the Gunners on course for a straightforward evening at Emirates Stadium in London yesterday.
Daiki Hashioka’s own goal completed the job before halftime as Mikel Arteta’s men backed up a battling goal-less draw with title rivals Manchester City to maintain their unbeaten top-flight record in 2024.
Pep Guardiola’s City remain third, one point behind Arsenal, after beating Champions League-chasing Aston Villa 4-1 thanks to a brilliant Phil Foden hat-trick.
After Jhon Duran cancelled out Rodri’s opener, the 23-year-old put City back in front with a freekick late in the first half before two excellent strikes settled it just after the hour mark, taking Foden to 21 City goals for the season.
Injury-hit Luton posed little threat in north London and remain only three points from safety during a winless run which now stands at 10 games.
The 18th-placed Hatters were back in the capital four days on from a narrow 2-1 loss at Tottenham. Ross Barkley’s long-range freekick, which was comfortably collected by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, was their only attempt on target in a one-sided opening period.
In the face of relentless Arsenal possession, a resolute Luton starting XI held out until being undone by costly defensive dithering in the 24th minute.
Emile Smith Rowe dispossessed the dawdling Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu inside the visitors’ half before captain Odegaard exchanged passes with Kai Havertz to slam a first-time left-footed finish beyond Thomas Kaminski.
The visitors dug in and looked set to go into the interval only a goal behind after goalkeeper Kaminski saved well from Smith Rowe and Havertz. But Rob Edwards' side suffered a setback a minute before the break when Japan defender Hashioka inadvertently turned Smith Rowe's low centre into his own net under pressure from Reiss Nelson.
In yesterday’s other match, Brentford and Brighton drew 0-0.