Arsenal reclaimed a leading position in the Premier League standings on Wednesday by defeating relegation-threatened Luton Town 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

The hosts appeared sharp in the first half despite making five changes to the squad that was held scoreless at Manchester City on Sunday, with Emile Smith Rowe excelling in just his second league start since October. Smith Rowe initiated the play that set the tone for the opening goal at 23 minutes by seizing the ball in the Luton half and subsequently assisting Martin Odegaard. Then, after exchanging passes with Kai Havertz, the Arsenal captain acerated a sublime first-time finish past Thomas Kaminski.

Before halftime, the hosts increased their lead by two goals, and Smith Rowe was once again instrumental in that оffensive. Leandro Trossard introduced the 23-year-old down the left flank; upon reaching the touchline, he delivered a cross that Daiki Hashioka diverted into his own net.

Goalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (6/10):

Although he had nothing to do with rescues, he cleaned up admirably as usual.

White, Ben (8/10):

Generated one turn to assist in setting up a chance for Havertz, which caused the Emirates to exclaim.

Saliba, William (7/10):

Constantly serene as ever. He was generally trouble-free, but he exhibited remarkable resilience whenever pressure was applied.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Once more, an outstanding performance. Aside from a brief moment of cоnfusiоn with Zinchenko, it was once again a productive evening.

Zinchenko, Oleksandr (7/10):

A few inaccurate passes, but considering the nature of the passes he attempts, this is to be expected. Was substituted in the second half after appearing exhausted.

Midfield

Thomas Partey (7/10):

It was his first start in the Premier League since August, and there were some extremely encouraging indications. Weary by the end of the game, but that was to be anticipated. Potentially pivotal participant in the remaining games.

Emile Smith Rowe (8/10):

Outstanding performance after going so long without a start. His pressuring contributed to the opening goal, and he also independently created the second. Extremely brilliant for the first half, then inevitably waning in the second.

Martin Odegaard (8/10):

Once again outstanding, particularly in the initial half. Outstanding finish that ended the deadlock. A pass that he executed to create an opportunity for Smith Rowe was impeccable.

аttаck Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Between and within the game. A highlight was when Cruyff deceived Townsend with one of his turns.

Kai Havertz (7/10):

Outstanding assist on Odegaard’s goal. He has now contributed to 12 goals in the league this season, which is more than he has ever accomplished for Chelsea in a single season. A true nuisance during the initial half. Poor reservation for diving following the hiatus.

Reiss Nelson (6/10):

Constantly labored, but at times appeared to be operating on a different wavelength than his teammates. Establish one favorable opportunity for Havertz. It appeared as though he had scored the second, but it was an own goal in reality.