Declan Rice rises late to break Luton hearts in seven-goal thriller

In an uncharacteristic sloppy performance at the back, Premier League leaders Arsenal needed a late magic from Declan Rice to steal a 4-3 victory.

The Gunners marched onto Kenworth Road as they looked to keep their hold on first place, but they found Luton tough to chew. The newly promoted side came close to earning a point against Mikel Arteta's side, but Rice's header late in the game sealed a win for the North Londoners.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 20th minute, heralding business as usual for the Gunners, but British-Nigerian Gabriel Osho restored parity five minutes later.

Gabriel Jesus ensured Arsenal went into half-time with a lead after his strike in the 45th minute and Arteta’s side were expected to be galvanised by that goal, but it was Luton who came out to the second-half gunsblazing.

Elijah Adebayo pulled Luton level in the 49th minute, and eight minutes later, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley sent the hosts up front for the first time in the game.

Kai Havartz restored parity almost immediately, and when the game looked headed for a tie, Declan Rice rose high to head in a Martin Odegaard cross.