Arsenal Analysed: The reasons why we beat Luton

Our 4-3 win against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road was a game that'll live long in the memory, and with so much going on it would be easy to miss some of the key tactical talking points.

However, having poured through the stats and footage, Adrian Clarke is here to highlight some of the key reasons why we managed to claim a dramatic three points:

Livewire Jesus

This was Gabriel Jesus’ best Premier League performance of the campaign so far, and rivals his outstanding display in Seville back in October. His involvement in our first three goals of the night typified his boundless energy and bright footballing mind.

Gabriel Martinelli’s opener simply would not have happened without Jesus sprinting 50 yards to pressurise Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski into kicking the ball out of play. Jesus then sprinted across to take a quick throw-in to Bukayo Saka, who laid on the assist.

Jesus scored the second with a clinical header, after smartly identifying where the space was inside the box. From Ben White’s gorgeous cross, he never looked like missing, and then our number nine’s strength and determination came to the fore before lofting a delicate pass for Kai Havertz to score a priceless equaliser.

No-one touched the ball inside the opposition box more often than Jesus, who enjoyed double the tally of the entire Luton side (7). Creating five chances he was a constant menace, and in a match where the hosts were extremely physical in their approach his 90.9 per cent pass accuracy was extraordinary.

Havertz's fantastic runs

Kai Havertz scored his third goal in four appearances, but it was his overall performance that impressed most in Bedfordshire. Happy to mix it physically against his direct opponents, the German won a team-high 10 duels, while also adding six successful aerials duels.

Positionally, I also liked the way he rotated with Jesus at times, stepping into the striker's space whenever the Brazilian moved away from the centre.

Three intelligent runs from Havertz played a major part in the outcome. Ahead of the first goal, he created a lovely avenue of space for Martinelli to step into when converting Saka’s cutback:

Then taking up a centre forward’s position when White was released in behind by Saka for our second, it was Havertz who took two Hatters defenders towards the near post. This opened up a lovely passageway for Jesus to attack, ghosting in between home markers:

The Germany international was also rewarded with a goal of his own from another intelligent sprint into the box, this time dropping short before spinning into space left by Jesus. Havertz’s well-timed burst provided his teammate with a wonderful option, and from the pass he converted with aplomb:

Subs step up

With 26 minutes left to play Mikel Arteta introduced Leandro Trossard and Oleksandr Zinchenko from the bench, and both players made a really positive impression.

Knowing Rob Edwards’ side would likely drop off and look to protect their 18-yard box to earn a point, it made sense to add the Ukrainian’s quality distribution, as well as Trossard’s ability to shoot off either foot. 

They provided the side with greater control, and as a consequence the Hatters adopted a deeper line, inviting sustained pressure, and the stats below show how the game shifted after those substitutions were made:

Trossard enjoyed eight touches inside the box alone, while Zinchenko made 26 accurate passes with 14 of them being in an advanced region of the pitch. These were the right changes, at the right time from the manager.

Deserved three points

Martin Odegaard’s magnificent left-footed cross for Declan Rice to attack is the moment from this game we will remember and treasure, and it was a truly special goal.

However, this was no smash-and-grab victory. We fashioned 23 efforts on goal, with 16 coming from shots inside the box; a feat we have only managed once so far this season, in the 2-2 draw at home to Fulham.

It was a Premier League classic in terms of the 4-3 scoreline, but the victory was fully merited.