3 standout players from Arsenal’s comfortable win against Luton

Arsenal cruised to a comfortable victory against Luton Town on their return to the Emirates stadium.

The visitors barely laid a glove on the home side, as Arsenal eased into an early lead and hardly had to leave second gear across the 90.

Emile Smith-Rowe’s high-press stole the ball off of Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, allowing Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to combine to make it 1-0 after 24 minutes. The assist means that this is Kai Havertz’s best ever Premier League season in terms of goal involvements.

Arsenal had added a second by half-time, Smith-Rowe took the ball by-line before sending in a dangerous low cross which bounced in off Daiki Hashioka.

The result sees Arsenal move top for at least 24 hours, ahead of Liverpool’s game against Sheffield United.

3 standout players from Arsenal’s comfortable win against Luton

1. Emile Smith-Rowe

Emile Smith Rowe burst onto the scene alongside Bukayo Saka and instantly became a fan favourite. The Hale End pair combined almost weekly to get themselves onto the scoresheet. However, Smith Rowe has since struggled with injury and found himself outside the starting 11 on his return.

When provided with his first real opportunity against Luton, he did not disappoint. It was an excellent first-half performance by the young Englishman. He was responsible for both goals, winning the ball high up the pitch for the first and creating the own goal for the second.

Defensively, Smith Rowe also shone, winning 100% of his tackles and making two interceptions. He dropped off slightly in the second half but that is to be expected with his current lack of minutes.

If his performance against Luton is anything to go by, we may finally be about to witness Smith Rowe’s return to form after being out on the sidelines for so long.

Continued on next slide...