Arsenal secured a valuable yet relatively ordinary win over Luton Townwhich lacked the drama and tension of the draw with Manchester City at the weekend. Perhaps Gunners supporters need to get used to the fact that a team consistently challenging for titles must sometimes win games in the least entertaining way possible — and there is little to nothing the opposition can do about it.
What drew focus, however, was the number of changes which Mikel Arteta opted for on the day. Some were forced, some not; despite this, the performance was controlled. Although there could have been some better finishing and slicker final balls, they got the job done.
As always with these games, at football.london we like to come up with the successes and frustrations from the night. These can be a challenge depending on which way a performance swings, but when the victory is so straightforward it creates a different type of test.
When you get very few opportunities you've got to take your chances and that is exactly what Emile Smith Rowe did. A brilliant interception to set up the move for the first goal and he then created the second goal with a great run and cross.
The big question will be has that changed anything regarding his future? Will it impact the opportunities to start in the remaining games? With a run-in that includes so many tough fixtures though, the reality is that Mikel Arteta will likely opt for his favourites; but he may have pushed himself up the pecking order of substitutes.
Being able to rest so many key players and limit the minutes of others whilst winning is the dream for Arteta. So many before the game thought that perhaps five was too many to change from the City team but Arsenal controlled proceedings for the most
Read on football.london