Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s fringe players for taking their chances in the 2-0 Premier League victory over Luton.
Captain Martin Odegaard opened the scoring before Daiki Hashioka turned the ball into his own net as Arsenal returned to the top of the table, holding a one-point advantage over Liverpool and Manchester City.
Arsenal had just three days to prepare for Wednesday night’s game after Sunday’s goalless draw at title rivals City.
Arteta made five changes for the visit of the Hatters, including the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson while resting Declan Rice among others, and was pleased with what he saw in their first of eight scheduled fixtures in April.
“They responded really well and I’m so happy with that. It was a wonderful game,” Arteta said.
“When they get their moment, they have to take it and they certainly did today. They give me every reason (to pick them) every day.
“If we had lost the game it would’ve been because we made the changes and it’s not as simple as that. You have to do what is right, what they deserve and it’s good confidence.”
