90min

X reacts as Raya's howlers nearly cost Arsenal against Luton

  • David Raya made two huge errors in Arsenal's 4-3 win over Luton
  • Gunners looked to be heading for a draw before Declan Rice's late winner
  • Jesus, Martinelli & Havertz all on the scoresheet

By Tom Gott

Raya nearly cost Arsenal
Raya nearly cost Arsenal / Catherine Ivill/GettyImages
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Did that need to be anywhere near as hard as it was for Arsenal?

The Gunners were overwhelming favourites heading into Tuesday's trip to Luton Town, but David Raya is clearly not one for narratives as he did his best to hand the minnows a deserved point before Declan Rice popped up to break the Hatters' hearts.

It was a memorable game for a number of reasons but, for young Bukayo Saka, it was particularly special as the winger recorded his 200th appearance for Arsenal.

Saka was involved in Arsenal's opening goal, helping to pounce on a sloppy mistake from Luton's defence and squaring for Gabriel Martinelli, who squeezed home with an unconventional strike.

It was just Martinelli's second Premier League goal of the season but, after scoring in the 6-0 win over Lens, the Brazilian appears to be finding his form in front of goal.

Arsenal's lead wouldn't last long, however, as Gabriel Osho rose from a corner and headed beyond a helpless Raya just four minutes later.

The goals kept flying in and it was a third Gabriel, this time Jesus, who was celebrating on the stroke of half-time.

Arsenal's striker headed home from close range following an excellent cross from Ben White, who put it on a plate for Jesus.

But it was at this point that things turned sour for Arsenal.

Just moments after the restart, Raya came to claim a corner but was nowhere near as the 6'4 Elijah Adebayo nodded into an empty net.

Raya had barely climbed back to his feet by the time he was again attracting the unwanted attention.

Ross Barkley's low effort fizzed directly at the Spaniard but Raya somehow allowed the ball to squirm under his body, gifting Luton a shocking lead.

Arsenal were soon back level, however, as Kai Havertz tapped home minutes later to set up a nervous final 30.

And just as it looked as though Raya's errors were going to cost Arsenal, up stepped Declan Rice in the 96th minute to save the day.

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