Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s fringe players for taking their chances in the 2-0 Premier League victory over Luton.
Captain Martin Odegaard opened the scoring before Daiki Hashioka turned the ball into his own net as Arsenal returned to the top of the table, holding a one-point advantage over Liverpool and Manchester City.
Arsenal had just three days to prepare for Wednesday night’s game after Sunday’s goalless draw at title rivals City.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 Zinchenko returns to left-back⚖️ Smith Rowe in the middle🆕 Nelson makes first league start of the season
Let''s get back to it, Gunners 👊 pic.twitter.com/gJKLaKObv0
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 3, 2024
Arteta made five changes for the visit of the Hatters, including the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson while resting Declan Rice among others, and was pleased with what he saw in their first of eight scheduled fixtures in April.
“They responded really well and I’m so happy with that. It was a wonderful game,” Arteta said.
“When they get their moment, they have to take it and they certainly did today. They give me every reason (to pick them) every day.
“If we had lost the game it would’ve been because we made the changes and it’s not as simple as that. You have to do what is right, what they deserve and it’s good confidence.”
With Bukayo Saka injured, Smith Rowe impressed after he was recalled to the XI.
Arteta said: “I love him as a player (Smith Rowe). It’s a joy to watch him with the way he moves and how physical he is as well. He helped us a lot to win the game also today.”
Odegaard was the difference between the sides on the night. The Norwegian combined with Kai Havertz after 24 minutes before rifling an effort into Thomas Kaminski’s bottom left corner.
Arteta talked up the skipper’s influence in helping his side try and claim their first league title since the 2003-04 season.
The Spaniard added: “He’s a really important player and we needed that balance and the chemistry certain players have and how they train, build relationships, Martin is vital to connect. The standard which he sets is outstanding.”
Luton manager Rob Edwards still believes his side can get out of trouble, with the Hatters 18th and three points behind fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest.
Edwards said: “I believe we can do this, with every fibre of my being I believe in this group. We are competing in this league, we have had a lot of injuries and it has knocked our rhythm. We’re in the games we’re playing. We weren’t out of it.”
Guardiola delighted for Man City kids after PL2 triumphManchester City manager Pep Guardiola was delighted for their youngsters after they won the Premier League 2 final against Southampton on Thursday.City were winners of the regular season and also won the play-off final against Southampton.Guardiola reacted to the triumph, stating: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the ...
Slot urges Liverpool fans to give Trent "reception he deserves"Liverpool boss Arne Slot hopes he can convince fans not to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold on Sunday.The final season clash with Crystal Palace will also mark Alexander-Arnold's last appearance in a Liverpool shirt. The fullback was jeered by fans at their last home match against Arsenal after announcing his departure this summer.Slot told ...
REVEALED: Postecoglou and Spurs players to earn massive UEL win bonusesTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will receive a massive bonus after winning the Europa League title on Wednesday.Victory in the Bilbao final against Manchester United marked a first European title for Spurs since 1984.And with the win, Spurs manager Postecoglou will receive a huge 32m bonus from chairman Daniel Levy.Tottenham's ...
Semenyo: Bournemouth eager to finish the season as winnersBournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo says they want to finish the season with a winning flourish.While only a very slim chance of European qualification exists, Semenyo insists they can be overall proud of their season.He told the Daily Echo: “There was always a slight possibility, and we had an open mind."We knew that we had to come ...
La Liga giants interested in shock move for Jamie VardyJamie Vardy is reportedly being eyed by La Liga giants Valencia after he confirmed he will be leaving Leicester City at the end of the season.Vardy, 38, will leave Leicester once his contract with the club expires at the end of the season as arguably their greatest ever player.The striker has been a key figure for everything good that has happ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. It's the Year of the Bird Shortcut this way bro Conte's demands to stay at Napoli:• Spend at least €200M• Sign 8–9 players• Raise salaries from €80M to €110M• Guarantees on a new training facility Silverware incoming for Real Betis Tag a Manchester United Fan & Say Nothing.. Sad but true.. Please stay t...
The end of an era has arrived. Luka Modric, one of the best footballers in the history of Real Madrid and world football, will say goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu after the match against Real Sociedad.The Croatian midfielder will not have his contract renewed by the club, bringing to an end an unforgettable career that began in 2012 and will forever be etched in the memory of Madrid fans. The Clu...
Ruben Amorim is not at risk of being sacked by Manchester United despite the Europa League final loss to Tottenham on Wednesday.Amorim's appointment at United has always, and continues, to be seen as a longer-term project and the club's commitment to the Portuguese head coach is not contingent on one game.Sources say he continues to have the full support of the club.Speaking immediately after the ...
Al Hilal are interested in signing Bruno Fernandes, but plans to sign him are not advanced at present.However, that could change because Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are playing in the Club World Cup next month and can sign players during a special early transfer window between June 1 and June 10.Fernandes is a key player at United. Head coach Ruben Amorim has called his captain one of the best ...
Man City star McAtee in demand as Wolves eye £25m swoopWolves are reportedly eyeing a £25m swoop for Manchester City's James McAtee but face intense competition from Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.Leeds eye Raul to replace Farke!Real Madrid legend Raul has reportedly been approached by Premier League-bound Leeds despite Daniel Farke leading the club to promotion.Trossard to stay ...
- 1 We will see – no Unai Emery assurances over future of tearful Emiliano Martinez
- 2 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 3 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 4 Chelsea beat Manchester United in FA Cup final to seal domestic treble
- 5 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 6 Liverpool cleared to complete signing
- 7 Marc Guehi to land transfer to Real or Barca
- 8 Real Madrid agree deal for Dean Huijsen
- 9 Dele Alli’s girlfriend Cindy sets pulses racing in barely
- 10 3 EPL giants have advantage in Osimhen race