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Arsenal player ratings vs Luton: Martin Odegaard runs the show as Emile Smith proves point on rare start

Martin Odegaard once again shone for Arsenal (Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard once again shone for Arsenal (Getty Images)

Arsenal went back to the top of the Premier League by beating Luton 2-0.

The Gunners got the job done in the first-half thanks to Martin Odegaard’s opener and an own-goal by Daiki Hashioka.

Mikel Arteta made five changes for the game, with the Arsenal manager clearly having an eye on next week’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

It paid off, though, as Arsenal sealed victory and the three points took them back above Liverpool, for at least 24 hours.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Rarely troubled as Arsenal dominated the game. Distribution was solid. A comfortable night.

Ben White 7

Got forward a fair amount and seemed to be enjoying himself. Opened Luton up with some audacious flicks.

William Saliba 6

An easy night for the Frenchman after Sunday’s game at the Etihad. The only Arsenal player to have played every minute in the League this season.

Gabriel 7

Had a good battle with Luton striker Carlton Morris and came out on top. Made a few big headers away from set-pieces.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 6

Lacked a bit of sharpness early on, but grew into the game. Will be an important player in the run-in.

Martin Odegaard 8 | Star player

Looked so sharp all night and took his goal really well. Some of his passing was on another level. Ran the show.

Martin Odegaard led the way for Arsenal as he opened the scoring (AP)
Martin Odegaard led the way for Arsenal as he opened the scoring (AP)

Thomas Partey 7

Still looks a little rusty, but is getting better with every game he gets under his belt. Played some great passes from deep.

Emile Smith Rowe 8

The pick of the bunch in terms of players brought into the starting XI. Had a big hand in both the opening goals. Played like a man with a point to prove.

Reiss Nelson 6

Thought he had scored Arsenal’s second, but it went down as an own-goal. Some bright moments, but didn’t take his chance like others.

Kai Havertz 7

Linked up nicely with Odegaard for Arsenal’s opening goal. Went close himself on a few occasions.

Leandro Trossard 6

Turned his opposite number inside out more than once and had a hand in the second goal. Still looks best as a false nine, though.

Substitutions

Declan Rice (Partey 66’) 6

Played further forward recently, but was given a rare outing as a No6 here.

Eddie Nketiah (Havertz 66’) 6

Given the changes he would have hoped to start. Denied by a good save late on.

Gabriel Martinelli (Nelson 74’) N/A

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Zinchenko 74’) N/A

Jorginho (Smith Rowe 85’) N/A

Subs not used: Ramsdale, Kiwior, Vieira and Jesus.