One of the most incredible games in recent years even given our unbelievable rise over the past few years. Luton Town went toe to toe with the league leaders for over 96 adrenalin-charged minutes only to be denied by the power of Declan Rice’s bonce connecting a header passed the despairing Kaminski.
So many facts and stats to illustrate the financial gulf between the two clubs, but on the pitch where it mattered there was no gap at all in the spirt, adventure, and togetherness of the sides. Declan at £105 million cost five times as much as the entire Luton squad. Prior to last night, Arsenal had conceded just three goals away in the league all season. That was doubled inside 70 minutes at the raucous Kenilworth Road.
Two patterns of weakness emerging from Luton Town this season. The first is the tendency to concede just after scoring. The second is conceding after a quick set piece. Spurs goal came after a swiftly taken corner. Last night’s opener from Martinelli came from a rapid throw-in ended up with Saka dancing into the box.
But let’s not focus on the negatives. Alfie’s delivery from corners was incredible. Our equaliser was a power header from Osho. The second equaliser saw Elijah easily out jump Raya. And the third goal was started and finished by the elasticity and class of Ross Barkley. A dribble through the heart of the pitch, a pass over to Townsend, ball back across and although his shot was straight at the keeper, it was entirely deserved it ended in the back of the net.
It is City next. And we can go into it with confidence.
COYH
Player Ratings
LUTON: Kaminski, Osho, Kabore, Mengi, Mpanz, Bell, Brown, Townsend, Doughty, Barkley, Adebayo. Subs: Ogbene, Morris, Chong, Clark, Giles