Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice shine but Raya blunders almost cost Mikel Arteta’s side

ARSENAL moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table thanks to a last-gasp victory over Luton Town.

The Gunners travelled to Kenilworth Road two points clear of second-placed Liverpool and three of defending champions Manchester City.

REUTERS

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the first half[/caption]

Gabriel Jesus bagged the Gunners’ second of the matchREX

GETTY

Kai Havertz scored an important equaliser for the visitors[/caption]

AFP

Declan Rice snatched victory for the Gunners with a stoppage-time header[/caption]

The North Londoners ran out 4-3 winners over Rob Edwards’ dogged side, who twice came from behind.

A Brazilian double from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus and a third goal in as many matches for Kai Havertz looked set to earn Mikel Arteta‘s troops a point.

But Declan Rice’s stoppage-time header spared the blushes of David Raya and sent the travelling Gooners into a state of pandemonium.

Here, SunSport’s Chisanga Malata rates and slates the Gunners’ stunning last-gasp win…

David Raya – 2

The North Londoners’ new No.1 had very little to do in the first half but was solid when called upon.

Was powerless to stop Gabriel Osho’s stooping header in the 24th minute, although he allowed Elijah Adebayo to score the Hatters’ second equaliser of the match by flapping at an Alfie Doughty corner in the 47th minute.

Should’ve saved Ross Barkley’s 56th-minute strike, which briefly put the home side into the lead.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER

EPA

David Raya was at fault for two of Luton’s three goals[/caption]

Ben White – 6

Defended well when required and was a willing auxiliary runner on the right wing to support Bukayo Saka.

Teeped up Jesus for the Gunners’ second of the match with a beautifully dinked cross in the 45th minute.

William Saliba – 6

The Frenchman was at his imperious best in the first half, snuffing out the home side’s rare forays into the opposition’s box. Read the game immensely well, as he always does.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 6

Like Saliba, the Brazilian was positionally sound and strong when called upon.

Jakub Kiwior – 6

The Poland international filled in for the absent Takehiro Tomiyasu and wasn’t afraid to stick his foot in when required.

Showing continued signs of settling into the physical demands of the Premier League.

Getty

Jakub Kiwior looked solid at left back[/caption]

Martin Odegaard – 7

The conductor of the Gunners’ orchestra began pulling the strings early in the first half and showcased his extensive range of passing on several occasions in the match.

Produced a sensational delivery deep into stoppage time for Rice to nod home and steal victory.

Declan Rice – 7

Quietly went about his business – breaking up play when required to and dropping deep at times to try kickstart forays forward.

Rose high in the 96th minute to connect with an Odegaard delivery and head home what could be a huge goal in the title race.

Kai Havertz – 6

The in-form German was anonymous for large portions of the first half of the match, although his run into the box dragged defenders away and allowed Jesus to gobble up a free first-half header.

Got the Gunners back on level terms on the hour mark. with a neat finish.

GETT

Kai Havertz was anonymous for large portions of the match but scored a crucial equaliser[/caption]

Bukayo Saka – 7

Dangerous as always on the left but struggled to get into the game in the early embers.

That changed in the 20th after he was played into the box by the quick-minded Gabriel Jesus and he squared the ball for Martinelli to tap home the opener.

Produced a brilliant save from Thomas Kaminski in the 39th minute with a strong left-footed drive

Gabriel Jesus – 8

Struggled for service in the first half so looked to drop deep in order to get on the ball.

His quick-thinking – which came in the form of a fast throw-in following a poor back pass – allowed Saka to set up the first goal of the match.

Nodded the Gunners back into the lead in the 45th minute with a simple header from inside the 18-yard box.

Showed great strength and poise to tee up Havertz for the vistors’ equaliser just moments after going behind.

PA

Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were Arsenal’s star men at Kenilworth Road[/caption]

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

Was lively on the left wing from the outset and a constant threat to the Hatters’ defence. Made a brilliant run across the box and produced a neat side-foot finish to fire the North Londoners into the lead.

Would have doubled the Gunners’ lead just after the half-hour mark had it not been for a strong near-post save from Kaminski.

Subs

Oleksandr Zinchenko (64) on for Kiwior – 5

Was a steady Eddie but offered very little going forward.

Leandro Trossard (64) on for Gabriel Martinelli – 5

Should’ve fired the visitors back into the lead in the 76th minute but saw his effort deflected over the crossbar for a corner.

Went close with a side-footed effort from outside the box