Declan Rice scored a 97th-minute winner for Arsenal in their match against Luton Town this evening after the game seemed to be heading for deserved points for the hosts.
Arsenal led twice at Kenilworth Road through Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, but Luton responded each time before taking the lead through Ross Barkley.
It was the type of resistance we all know Luton could provide when they play at home, as evident from their match against Liverpool. It was also the reason they remained unbeaten in two straight home games.
After scoring the equalizer, Arsenal did all they could to break down Rob Edwards’ men for the winner. However, they stood firm for 37 minutes before Declan Rice stepped up in the 97th minute to score the decisive goal.
Rice has been superb since his move to the Emirates and has faced some criticism for his lack of goals. But, just like his strike against Manchester United, this goal will be one of the most important in his Arsenal career.
Once again, Arsenal showed character and sent a message to their rivals that they intend to make the top of the Premier League table their home for as long as possible.
That said, there will be questions regarding David Raya, he had a horrendous game and there must be some doubt that he will retain the starting spot for our next game, he could easily have cost us this evening.
However, all’s well that ends well and we now sit five points clear at the top of the standings and that is all that matters.
Entertaining game, but letting a small team score three goals shows that Arsenal would most likely not win EPL this season
Raya was very weak aerially and got beaten from a tight angle as Ramsdale did. If Arteta doesn’t reinstate Ramsdale, there might be a minimum appearance clause on Raya’s contract or Arteta is a very stubborn man
I’d be surprised if Arsenal sign Raya permanently after this season ends, but I’m afraid the deal had already been made a few months ago. Arsenal should find a better GK
@gai
RealTalk…They shifted 3goals past us(supposedly the best defence in the league), with ease…Jus sayin 🤨
Those two goals were difficult to fathom
….both keepets are on an even keel as far as I’m concerned
Man be objective, Raya was at fault he seems to know that Arteta will back him even if he fumbles.
The same mistakes he made against Newcastle and Chelsea.
DECLAN RICE, RICE, RICE! DECLAN RICE, RICE, RICE!!
Gai, Well said👌 Raya seem not to organize his defence well. Raya’s failure to keep hold of Wilock cross against NewCastle was one of the reason we lost to them. There is no doubting the fact Arteta can be very stubborn and sentimental with some players. I am yet to see how better Raya is above Ramsdale.
If Arteta persist with Raya I guess Ramsdale will leave in January.
I am not impressed with us conceding 3 goals against Luton.
I take positives from the attackers doing there job. Weldone Havertz 3 goals now
FOUR ACTUALLY , his first being a penalty!
It’s a loan with a buy attached to it not an option to buy so we can’t back out of the deal.
Nope, it’s an option to buy- it’s even reported as such on the club website.
Just been on site and can’t see that mentioned anywhere but I bow to your superior knowledge, thank you.
In any case, we wil sign him.
Was from the article confirming his signing:
“Sporting Director Edu said: “We welcome David to us on a season-long loan from Brentford. David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League. With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions.”
As part of the agreement, there is an option to make the move permanent.”
There’s no coming back from Ramsdale. Arteta has ruined any trust between them. I fully agree we shouldn’t be rushing to sign Raya on a permanent. We’ll very obviously be looking for a new one to replace him very short after. He’s not the dream GK were looking for. Ramsdale was far closer to our dream GK.
Exactly what I was thinking RSH as I was reading through the comments! I think of Allison and Ederson as two of the best keepers in the league and I felt Ramsdale was pushing to challenge them but I’m not sure about Raya! I think like all players we have to give them all a chance and assess them at the halfway mark and then again look at the overall season! I would still like Ramsdale to get a chance to stake his claim as no 1
Allison and Ederson are not the two best Goalkeeper in the league, I will argue Martinez better than both.
I think that this intense scrutiny on both goalkeepers is now affecting both of them. Raya’s poor performance last night. Ramsdales performance against Brentford. Arteta has done brilliantly well but in this case, competition doesn’t seem to be working. We have been fortunate in both games that our outfield players are playing fulll on until the final whistle to get us the wins. Aston Villa away may not be so obliging. I’m sure Arteta will resolve this by January.
If Ramsdale is not selected for any of the next few matches, I would expect him to put in a transfer request as it appears from the outside that he is not being treated on an equitable basis.
does that means also Liverpool will not win the league because they draw with them we won does it mean when opponents scores against us means we are not winning the league what do you mean exactly.
Going by your logic, not allowing big club like Man city to score will make us win the league!
Only you understand yourself
Yet Liverpool failed to beat them and could only muster a draw
I’m looking 5years older in less than 2hours.
I’m gon be full of grey hair if we play like this all season.
Luton was almost a banana skin but we pulled through.
Upwards!
We will all be grey it raya remains ou goal keeper
A bit unkind calling Luton a small team. They fought like warriors and nearly got the draw. As to suggest, GAI, that the game and the result will affect the title race is unduly negative in my mind
@SueP
I said in the other thread,”Give them the respect afforded an EPL team, but put them to the sword.” We did neither, in my opinion. Jus sayin
As usual, SueP is one of the most balanced and sensible contributors.
Jus sayin.
@David
She does bring about a bit of balance, as well as common sense to this place…Jus sayin 😁
We were our own architect of our own mis doings at times tonight but whilst I had to eat humble pie last season GAI when I said we would win it and you said no chance this season the team feel different
The goalkeeping errors can not be legislated for and I beleive MA has created a problem where we didnt need to tinker with for now but our sheer, we will not be beaten mentality and win at all cost is far greater this season then last.
Still a long way to go and lots.more twists and turns to come but 5 points clear and feet up time tomorrow to watch the other slug it out
Onwards a.d upwards
@Alanball08
That’s one way of looking at it…👍🏾
They lost so by definition were put to the sword by us, unlike Liverpool. Jus saying.
It’s extremely weird as well how I have to use so often as a counter to yours as they are so negative. Oxford would have to change the definition to make it fit the way you use it.
I have to use “just saying” *****************
@Angus
😂
Jus sayin 😂
ANGUS Just to let you know that in American English, neither “just” nor “saying” has a last letter, APPARENTLY!
I learned this from NY_Gunner who is American, so presumably knows how to write HIS version of English, known to slovenly speakers writers as American English!
Your comments and responses both to results and to other posts are invariably negative and critical NYG. It’s your prerogative to make them, but I wonder if you will ever be satisfied. A win and 4 goals away from home. I suppose it depends on your understanding of “putting them to the sword”. No offence (it means the same as “just sayin”).
But Sue, however you cut the mustard, they ARE a small CLUB! And it is plain to me that despites their fighting qualities, they will be relegated this season.
They lack quality, and fight and workrate do NOT compensate for that reality!
I thought it was unnecessary of GAI to refer to Luton in that manner. They put up a damned good fight. Aren’t Brentford a small club and to a lesser extent, Brighton too? Luton may go down but there is at least one other team that may not survive (other than the two most obvious candidates)
My neighbors probably believe I’m some kind of psychological asylum candidate after today
My wife KNOWS I am! She has just spent two hours being forced to listen to me screaming at the TV. And even I know that the TV does not have ears! Not that it stops me shouting at it!
PATHETIC BEHAVIOUR WHICH RENDERS ME TOO HOPELESS A CASE EVEN FOR AN ASYLUM TO ADMIT!!
lol.
The emotions. I hope we win the league this season. Arsenal deserve it
Never in doubt, better left late. Trip to Unai’s villa park next.COYG!
Also, imagine Sanchez and van persie in this team and also peak of his powers vermaelen
Bit fed up with Alan Shearer questioning the extra minute. Let’s see if he does if Newcastle score in the last minute.
Must admit I wondered where the extra minute came from too.
Weren’t there corner kicks and goal kicks in ET? That warrants an extra minute of play.
I believe the extra minute is due to extra time substitution. Raya really cause heart attack in this match. I hope I will never see him again in an Arsenal shirt.
There is no extra minute. THE SIX MINS PUT UP BY 4TH OFFICIAL IS SIMPLY A MINIMUM OF MINUTES LEFT and not necessarily the MAXIMUM LEFT.
Of couse if the football authorities were sane instead of stupid, the time keeping would be taken right away from the match ref and left in the hands of someone who had nothing else to do.
So he /she could fully concentrate on getting it ACCURATE!
I think Wolves had about an extra 2/3 mins against us.
Yes, this is a much more common occurrence this season and I believe both RSH and Sean above are likely correct about the causes (as well as the usual ref managing the match possibility).
Arsenal should win a game like this with 4-0 or 4-1. Thank’s to Raya it enden 4-3 and almost were lost. Play Rammy against Villa or the Gunners will lose. Not only at Villa Park but the title race.
Raya in my opinion is not upgrade on Ramsdale when it comes to saves. In fact he’s a down grade. Except for the fact he plays well this his feet, he adds nothing.
Too short in stature means he’ll have hard time dealing with crosses and aerial balls generally. Think Mudryk and Gordon’s goals against Chelsea and NewCastle respectively.
Hasn’t made any spectacular save since he’s started wearing the Arsenal shirt. I can gives examples of some spectacular saves made my Ramsdale at this stage last season.
No justifiable point for sticking with Raya any longer. We’ve seen all he can offer. I hope Arteta takes the right decision in this regard before it cost us big.
Twinlights, Exactly right and you speak the OBVIOUS PLAIN TRUTH.
Choosing a keeper only because he is considered by some – not by me , but by some – to be better with is feet in playing out,is plain sillly.
And unless it is changed, it will continue costing us over the season.
I have posted several times that the MAIN talent a keeper MUSThave is the ability to make world class saves and be reliable. RAMSDALE WAS EXACTTY THAT , until tht stupid incoming of an inferior keeper at saving goals, ands IMO , so far RAYA HAS MADE ONLY ONE REAALLLY TOP CLASS SAVE . And that was against Spurs many weeks ago.
Since then and before that, he has looked shaky, unconvincing as a top class shot stopper, nervous, lacking ANY obvious personality or presence and IMO ought not to be bought when his loan ends.
If we end up losing the superior RAMSDALE, it will prove a massive mistake, as KEEPERS OF HIS SUPERB ABILITY ARE VERY RARE.
I WANT HIM BACK IN THE TEAM NOW AND RAYA OUT.
Are you forgetting the save stats from last year or this year? I’m not going to wax Ramsdale that way because he doesn’t deserve it but for an educated pro-gambler, you should have your research in order.
Once again Angus is missing out of the very clear variables right in front of him!!! If we had Rice in the team last year take a WILD guess if Ramsdale’s stats would’ve looked better?
Come now Angus, how many times do you need to hear it
Angus To correct your error, I am not “pro gambling” and what I DO IS TO TRADE ODDS, WHICH IS A FORM OF GAMBLING.
But for others who are less mathematically astute than I am, I AM anti gambling , not pro!
So sorry for the typographical errors. Urrrhhh.
Word prediction keypad dealing me bad.
There are no free rides in the EPL, especially away. Brilliant cross from Odegaard for Rice Rice Baby to win it. They never gave up and that’s what life is all about.
We should never sign this calamity called Raya. I know Ramdale is error prone but like this man. I doubt if we will win the league or champions league with these characters. Arteta should start looking for a goal keeper, because right now we don’t have any.
But not like this man
How about we loan Ramsdale to Newcastle, keep Raya as 2nd and sign De Gea as first choice until end of season? 😛
Why are you making unfunny jokes after RAYAS CALAMITY OF A GAME?
Don’t give MA any ideas.
Whyis it as if some people are waiting for the team to struggle in order to make negative comments?
Man, i also failed to understand this! I thought this is a supporters’ forum but they go beyond positive criticism to something else. Some think they know everything!
I do agree that Arsenal needed an upgrade on Ramsdale, but Raya is unequivocally not the keeper. He is not even up to Ramsdale level, not to mention being better than Ramsdale.
Our superior defensive record this season has little to do with Raya. Saliba and Gabriel have remarkable, plus the added shield that Rice has given the defense. I’m yet to see any outstanding save from Raya that has saved us points. I hear a lot of talk about his foot work and distribution, but they are also extremely poor.
Arteta needs to reinstate Ramsdale ASAp. He has surely killing the lad’s confidence by keeping him on the bench. But Arteta is so stubborn, so l doubt he will ever do that even if it’s all clear to see that he’s made a great mistake. Just as with Kai, he will keep playing him to justify the signing.
It is clear to all that we are currently top of the league.
Strange game, Raya was awful and things went against and we won unlike Liverpool so more positive than negative. The much-maligned attack scored 4 and the much-forgotten defence conceded 3. Commentary after is intriguing,
I wrote my comments before reading yours, Angus. So yes – I totally agree!
Raya is a disaster.
Mikel must admit he is wrong and bring back Ramsdale whose confidence he has shattered
I don’t get the negativity – top teams will drop points all over the country this season. And we just won away. Luton are a big strong team and tough at home and took a point off Liverpool at Anfield. We scored FOUR goals away from home so those criticising our attack can now switch to criticising our defence. Yes Raya made two mistakes but I am fed up with the Ramdale debate restarting – as if he made no mistakes, so for me neither keeper is nerve-free and possibly neither is the long term solution. But I for one think this was the kind of win that wins titles and I prefer to celebrate the victory and spirit shown to get over the line.
Hurrah
2 points off Liverpool, they gained a point themselves. Not disagreeing with you just that.
I meant that Luton got a point vs Liverpool, but yes Liverpool lost two.
The draw against liverpool was at Luton, not at Anfield.
my mistake Jon you’re right – old age addling my memory!
As much as I hate to admit it, that’s a big, big difference.
This is why the prem is the best league in the world, love this Arsenal team, vulnerable but fight like champions IMO….💪
Joint best team defensively (goals conceded) and joint second best team attack wise (goals scored)….🤔
Thank god this bloke is only on loan. Send him back to Brentford where he belongs & look for a quality keeper. He is not an upgrade on Ramsdale, enough is enough !
Simple solution is to bench Raya and admit you were wrong. Arteta got the three points this time with that guy in goal but will be living dangerously if he perseveres with Raya. On the positive side, three points gained and lesson learnt. Oh,and if our scouts have spotted a promising young right wing back out there, please snap him up as soon as possible.
Raya had a terrible game today, I’m just curious as to the terrible games before that justified everyone else’s position on him before today. Asking for myself never mind a friend.
Don’t you watch the games Angus? Or are the blinkers on for Raya’s many mistakes in previous games.
Go rewatch every game this season that Raya’s played so far, then you won’t need to ask for yourself or any imaginary friends 🙂
I think you could make a whole TV programmes on his bloopers for Arsenal.
Arteta has gotten most things right at Arsenal than wrong.
Kai Havertz is probably the best case for this argument as sometimes you just have to ride the storm for a while irrespective of critics and I think it makes sense to let Raya continue for some time. Ramsdale had two full seasons at Arsenal and if Raya is not good enough then I am certain Arteta will do the right thing. If he has proven anything it’s that he can be ruthless and be decisive as he did with Aubameyang who was his best player during his first season.
Good post
MA is learning his trade, but he kept making the same mistake especially with the goalkeeping department. If he doesn’t manage it well, it will still end up like the Martinezi situation where he sold his best keeper for peanut and retain the one that should be 2nd choice or sold. I think he’s not on track on this.
Correct and obvious.
I think it’s the first time we’ve won there in 11 attempts so a great result. Luton remind me of Wimbledon in the days of Vinny Jones and co, big defensive cloggers who then catch you on the break. The ground is small and only holds 11,500 so is intimidating, I’ve been there, it’s a mini cauldron.
NOW the players can turn their attention to Aston Villa (not to any other matches or table standings). The Luton Towns and other PL “minnows” are the clubs we must beat to have any chance at winning the league.
All the outfield players did well and were up for the physical demands of the game. It all came down to Raya’s mistakes forcing everyone to work harder. Thank you Odegaard, Saka, Zinny for REALLY kicking it into gear for those 20 minutes. But I wonder why we go so long in games to go into that gear. Last season we started games so fast but seems we don’t do that anymore. We need to get these mistakes out of our system. Cant be doing that against Villa and hoping for last min winners again.
Totally agree……although I personally think Luton away is harder than villa away, for two reasons, #1 Luton’s stadium is tiny and very atmospheric (intimidating) #2 villa will play into our hands ( be more open) and not rely on long ball tactics…..
Villa have won their last 13 consecutive home games, including all 6 so far this season- the best current streak in the premier League (let’s hope they make it 14 tonight).
Luton have only won a single home game so far this season.
Didn’t watch the game I’ll be going for the highlights. Going by the comments Raya had a shocker! Glad for the Three points. Onwards and upwards. Villa next
He did have a shocker. Made the game seem closer than it was. 3 points and onwards!
One thing am sure of is that Raya will cost us during the course of the season if Arteta stick with him…..Ramsdale is better than Raya…my opinion though
Raya mistakes will not do him any favours when it comes to the debate as to who should be Arsenal’s starting goal keeper as Ramsdale remains firmly in the mix.
The problem is Arsenal deal for the Spaniard, I suspect is cast in stone.
PHEW!!!
This time of the year has the most unpredictable and no easy game in the PL.
Nice perspective and quite correct. MA must get the club to fully focus on the next game and nothing else.
Raya should really be careful.
Not good goalkeeping against Luton
It’s time for Ramsdale to come back.
Are you trying to say something? 😁
To me I think our players did a very good job including the goalkeeper. Though I love ramsdale more but Raya tried but was unlucky in the game. We make mistakes in our place of work. So just stay positive and Let’s move on. Arsenal till my last breathe.
Its very sad to see a clear injustice happening to players because the manger prefers a certain Mr Raya to Ramsdale. Giving away two goals and forcing everyone to work hard with a tough game coming in less than 3 days is unfair. Totte, Chelsea and Newcastle games are a clear indication that the chap isn’t up to it but Mr MA thinks otherwise. Well he is the manager!!!!
The issue I have with most Arsenal fans these days, especially on JA is that we want to just get onto the pitch and roll over our opponents without breaking a sweat. Even the invisibles drew with Charlton, Fulham, Leicester, Birmingham and some others. Check where these clubs finished on the table that year and please lower your expectations while praising the team’s resilience and ability to dig deep. Three points matter. COYG
I see we left out Havertz and criticize only Raya. Until we find a better goalkeeper, like Emerson, that’s what we’ll have. I think Atreta has made his decisions and is not going back. Ramsdale is good, but with his mistakes and very average with his feet. If he was very good, he would be a key player with the England national team. In Luton’s second goal, Rice is also responsible for missing Adebayo. In the third White leaves his position for no reason, Barkley is completely alone and scores. It is not only Raya’s fault. Luton made it very difficult for us. If he continues like this he won’t be in danger.
Vital, vital win against a bit of a journey man team. We huffed and puffed again a bit. But great 3 points. Raya looked far from convincing again, at fault for one goal and poor on another. Can we win the league with an ineffective keeper? Is he really an upgrade on Ramsdale?
No, Reggie, I don’t think that Raya is the upgrade that was required. Nor do I think that Ramsdale is the answer either.
I’m not sure what the answer is though and liking Ramsdale as a person should not cloud anybody’s judgement.
Now that Arteta has been banned from the touch line for the Villa game he might want to ponder who actually is his number one from his seat in the stands
I think Ramsdale was the answer last season and he would have been this season as well. We’ll never know because of MA’s (I believe overly influenced by goalkeeper coach) decision otherwise. However, if we remain gooners, we must support whatever players are left standing and should encourage Raya regardless of feelings for Ramsdale and the many things he brought to the club in the GK position.
Sue, i agree. But Raya was supposed to be THE massive upgrade on Ramsdale amd clearly is not. He looks really average.
if arteta is interested in competition then ramsdale shud return and arteta should stop been rigid
The truth remains that Raya has been as guilty as Ramsdale in arsenal shirt. I am yet to see those “qualities” that made Arteta to choose him ahead of Ramsdale. He has been consistently committing errors that if not for his out field team mates, we would have lost more than nine points. Except he improves to convince us that he is a better shot stopper, Ramsdale should be restored back to his position asap.
That said, I must commend the spartan spirit of our players. Congratulations boys.
PL is a strange thing. We beat City (one of the top teams) but struggle to win against one of the bottom teams. Anything can happen in the PL
Also it shows how competitive the PL is compared to other Leagues
Raya had a shocker last night
The Raya vs Ralmsdale debate will continue. I try to understand the reason for the signing.
Ralmsdale in my opinion cost us some games last season with being too casual. The Europa league exit to Sporting Lisbon.
His concentration level a times.
He is such a fantastic Goal Keeper. But Arteta Knows. Let us see as it pans out.
Kai Havertz is scoring goals now. Good for him
Never saw the match, but apparently Raya had another bad day at the office.As I have said on numerous occasions neither of our keepers is of the quality required for a team with aspirations to win the League.Indeed, with one of two exceptions, the standard of goalkeeping in the Premier League is mediocre at best whilst a number of talented stoppers have emerged in the Championship.Arteta is not the type who will admit his errors of judgement but I sincerely hope he has the nous to refrain from taking up the option to buy Raya.
Maybe i would agree Grandad but pne has actually finished one off the top.
But one.
Raya had a bad day. However it is too early to write him off.
It is also a really unhelpful generalisation to say that the standard of goalkeeping is mediocre in the PL.
Vicario, Leno, Allison, Pope, Martinez, Edison etc. These are great goalkeepers.
Both of our goalkeepers are good despite the errors.
At the moment it is also by no means clear that it was an error of judgement to bring in Raya. Our overall control of games has been better since he has been in the side even if he is not a a world class shot stopper like some of the others.
Interesting comments David in that Leno and Martinez are to my mind superior to Raya and Ramsdale.Do you agree?
Definitely Martinez, Grandad.
In order of best first, MARTINEZ, RAMSDALE, LENO, RAYA.
Where would we be without Rice in the team?
Mid table Reggie.
🤣probably not that low but we would not be where we are now. Probably THE best buy in the prem this season. What a player, what a heart, what commitment, our best signing for a very long time.
Reggie and Grandad,
The purchase of Rice was indeed the most fantastic bit of business. He looks to be enthralled by being an Arsenal player and is just so ready to embrace being at the club; not fearful due to his price tag but neither is he cocky. Purrfect addition.
That said, any club that is serious about winning the title has to invest in top talent, otherwise we would be in the same position as the middling clubs and the team that brought in the best would sit on the top of the pile – like City have done over time.
Yes Sue but Rice is just that bit special and legend material. Not all expensive players are that.
👍
Reply to Grandad.
So far this season, Rice has been exceptional and has played a huge role in Arsenal currently leading the league by five points.
On Tuesday night, the midfielder scored a match-winning goal with the last kick of the game against Luton Town and following the victory, a group of Arsenal fans have hilariously set up a GoFundMe page to raise £25m so they can pay West Ham more for the England star.