sport news Relentless Arsenal hardly shifted out of second gear as they beat Luton 2-0 to ... trends now
The pendulum of power has swung in Arsenal’s favour again. But for how long? Liverpool will have the answer tonight.
But, at least for the time being, the Gunners are back sitting pretty at the summit. Back in pole position, where many believe they’ll finish.
Following Sunday’s reserved display at Manchester City, normal service resumed here against Luton. Two goals and a clean sheet. It could easily have been more. But Mikel Arteta will take this victory and move on.
At this stage of the season that’s all that truly matters.No time to dwell. Game after game. Point after point. Victory after victory.
Manchester City have perfected that approach over the years. Liverpool are ominously operating in a similar manner at the moment.
Martin Odegaard's precise finish gave the Gunners the lead in the 24th minute of the contest
The Arsenal captain arrowed his finish into the bottom corner of Thomas Kaminski's net
Luton defender Daiki Hashioka (left) turned the ball into his own net following Emile Smith-Rowe's low cross into the area
Manchester City have perfected that approach over the years. Liverpool are ominously operating in a similar manner at the moment.
In fairness, so are Arsenal. This victory was their ninth in 10 matches, the only blot in that sequence arriving in Sunday’s goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.
It’s a run that has fired Arteta’s team back into serious title contention following a mid-winter blip that saw many question their credentials.
Time will tell whether they can avoid a second dip in form that could cost them their shot at glory.
But, for now, there are no signs of Arsenal relenting. In fact, they are relentless right now.
Against Luton, they hardly shifted out of second gear as Martin Odegaard and a Daiki Hashioka own goal ensured the Gunners cruised to three points.
And, pertinently, they did it without a host of first team regulars with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus among those rested amid five changes from Sunday’s stalemate.
Most notably, Thomas Partey was back in the starting XI for the first time since August.
There are many at Arsenal who still believe, even with the £105million arrival of Rice, that Partey remains the club’s most complete central midfielder. If - and it’s a big if given his disastrous fitness record - the Ghanaian can stay available for the run-in his return could yet emerge as a decisive factor in the title race.
Because what a super footballer he is. Exudes comfort, incisive passing to break lines, never flustered. A central midfield of Partey, Rice and Odegaard has an allure that will have Arteta and the club’s supporters drooling in anticipation.
Here against the relegation-threatened Hatters, the 30-year-old eased his way back into fold with the poise and control you’d expect. Larger tests lie in wait, of course. But the signs, for the
