It was nothing short of soul-crushing heartbreak for Luton Town on Tuesday, as they came within mere seconds of securing a famous and fantastic draw with Arsenal, only to concede on the final meaningful touch of the game and lose 4-3.
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The Hatters fought back from a goal down twice and even went ahead briefly, and a point looked to be in the bag before Declan Rice headed home a desperation cross in the 97th minute. Seven goals scored by seven different players in one of the unexpected games of the season.
Arsenal went ahead through Gabriel Martinelli in the 20th minute, but Luton answered back almost immediately — not for the last time on Tuesday — as Gabriel Osho headed home a corner kick in the 25th. Arsenal retook the lead just before halftime as Gabriel Jesus was quickest to a bounding ball in front of goal in the 45th minute, but again Luton hit back in short order.
Four minutes into the second half, Elijah Adebayo pulled the hosts level for the second time. Ross Barkley beat David Raya, who perhaps should have done better to make the save, in the 57th minute, and Kenilworth Road was in a frenzy. It lasted just three minutes, though, as Kai Havertz tapped home from close range right on the hour mark.
Still, Luton looked deserving of their point late into stoppage time. Until Martin Odegaard lofted a hopeful ball into the box for what would have likely been the final sequence of the game. One more clearance was all they needed. Instead, Rice rose highest and headed the ball into the bottom corner to send Arsenal five points clear of Liverpool and six above Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
What’s next?
Arsenal are set for a tricky trip to Villa Park on Saturday (12:30 pm ET), as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa faces Manchester City and Arsenal back-to-back this week. Speaking of the three-time defending champions, Luton and Villa will swap dance partners for the weekend as the Hatters face Pep Guardiola’s side on Sunday (9 am ET).
Player ratings - Luton Town vs Arsenal
Luton Town vs Arsenal, final score: 3-4
Goalscorers: Gabriel Martinelli (20'), Gabriel Osho (25'), Gabriel Jesus (45'), Elijah Adebayo (49'), Ross Barkley (57'), Kai Havertz (60'), Declan Rice (90'+7)
20th minute - GOAL - Gabriel Martinelli puts Arsenal ahead
25th minute - GOAL - Gabriel Osho equalizes for Luton
45th minute - GOAL - Gabriel Jesus heads Arsenal back in front
49th minute - GOAL - Elijah Adebayo pulls Luton level once again
57th minute - GOAL - Ross Barkley slots Luton’s third under David Raya
60th minute - GOAL - Kai Havertz taps home to make it 3-3
90th minute +7 - GOAL - Declan Rice breaks Luton hearts in stoppage time
How to watch Luton Town vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 3:15pm ET (Tuesday, Dec. 6)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Luton Town starting lineup
Kaminski — Mengi, Osho, Bell — Kabore, Mpanzu, Barkley, Doughty — Brown, Adebayo, Townsend
Arsenal starting lineup
Raya — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior — Rice, Odegaard, Havertz — Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Focus on Luton Town, team news
OUT: Reece Burke (thigh), Dan Potts (ankle), Mads Andersen (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Cauley Woodrow (calf), Albert Sambi Lokonga (thigh), Marvelous Nakamba (knee) , Teden Mengi (knee), Tom Lockyer (back), Alfie Doughty (groin)
Focus on Arsenal, team news
OUT: Thomas Partey (thigh), Emile Smith-Rowe (knee), Jurrien Timber (torn ACL - out for season), Fabio Vieira (hip) | QUESTIONABLE: Takehiro Tomiyasu (calf)
