Gunners cruise to top spot

ARSENAL 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 relegationthreatened Luton.

Martin Odegaard’s 10th goal of the season set the Gunners on course for a straightforward evening at Emirates Stadium.

Daiki Hashioka’s own goal completed the job before half-time as Mikel Arteta’s men backed up a battling goalless draw with title rivals Manchester City to maintain their unbeaten top-flight record in 2024.

With Liverpool scheduled to host bottom club Sheffield United tonight, Arsenal’s latest spell at the summit could prove fleeting, while plenty of sterner tests await in the coming weeks.

Injury-hit Luton posed little threat in north London as they failed to score for the first time in 19 league outings, but remain only three points from safety despite a winless run which now stands at 10 games.

In the face of relentless Arsenal possession, the resolute Hatters held out until being undone by costly defensive dithering in the 24th minute.

Smith Rowe robbed the dawdling Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu inside the visitors’ half before captain Odegaard exchanged passes with Kai Havertz to slam a first-time leftfooted finish beyond Thomas Kaminski.

Luton dug in well, but Rob Edwards’ side suffered a major setback a minute before the break when Japan defender Hashioka inadvertently turned Smith Rowe’s low centre into his own net.

That was effectively game over as the Gunners controlled a far more subdued second half that ticked by without incident to keep their title push on track.

Martin Odegaard.