Arteta: 'Winning in injury time is a well-deserved reward for Arsenal'

Manager Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal for showing resilience, character, and never giving up as they beat hosts Luton Town 4-3 in the 15th round of the Premier League.

"I really enjoyed this win, especially the final moments," Arteta said after the match at Kenilworth Road. "The great thing about football is the emotions and the moments you get to experience with so many people. This was a special night. We showed resilience, character, quality, desire and in the end we found a way to win."

The Spanish strategist praised Arsenal's never-give-up spirit, asserting that his team never wants a draw, only a win. "That motivation, that energy, the risk-taking and the emotion we bring to the pitch, you can feel it. I think Arsenal should have scored earlier with the chances we created. But we kept trying until the very last minute and we were rewarded," he added.

Midfielder Martin Odegaard celebrates with manager Mikel Arteta after Arsenal's 4-3 victory over Luton Town in the 15th round of the Premier League at Kenilworth Road on December 5th. Photo: Reuters

Against a newly promoted team currently in the relegation zone, Arsenal took the lead twice in the first half thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. However, the game became much more difficult in the second half due to defensive errors. They even allowed Luton to take a 3-2 lead within just over 10 minutes after the break.

With nothing left to lose, Arsenal pushed forward and equalized 3-3 with a close-range strike from Kai Havertz. After injury time, Arteta's side seemed destined to leave with a point. But in the very last seconds, from a cross by captain Martin Odegaard, midfielder Declan Rice rose high to head the ball into the far corner, securing a 4-3 victory for Arsenal.

Rice's decisive header in the 96th minute and 23 seconds was Arsenal's latest away goal in the Premier League since the 2006-2007 season. This goal also ended a run of 10 winless matches away from home against Luton in all competitions, dating back to 1984.

Declan Rice (left) headed the ball in, securing a 4-3 victory for Arsenal against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the 15th round of the Premier League on December 5th. Photo: AFP

Rice also became the third Arsenal player to score two decisive goals in injury time in a single Premier League season, after Ian Wright and Nicklas Bendtner. In the win against Manchester United in the fourth round in early September, the English midfielder also scored to make it 2-1 in the sixth minute of injury time. Since joining Arsenal for a transfer fee of $133 million, Rice has also scored another important goal – a one-touch shot from over 35 meters that helped Arsenal draw 2-2 at Chelsea.

According to Arteta, Rice has shown leadership qualities, improving with each game, and demonstrating good positioning and finishing ability in the penalty area. The Spanish coach expects his player to continue scoring important goals for Arsenal. He also revealed that Takehiro Tomiyasu has a calf injury and will be sidelined for some time.

Arteta received a yellow card for his enthusiastic celebration of Rice's injury-time goal. This was his third yellow card of the season, meaning he will be banned from the touchline for the next match away at Aston Villa on December 9th. "I couldn't sit still in the manager's chair. It was pure emotion," Arteta said.

Arsenal's victory over Luton solidified their position at the top of the table with 36 points, extending their lead over Liverpool and Man City to five and six points respectively. Today, Liverpool will travel to Sheffield United, while defending champions Man City will visit Aston Villa.

Hong Duy

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