Declan Rice was delighted after scoring a 97th-minute winner for Arsenal in a thriller with Luton at Kenilworth Road.
Rice’s goal deep into added time secured Arsenal a 4-3 win over Luton, who gave the Premier League leaders a huge scare.
Arsenal had twice taken the lead through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, but the Gunners were pegged back on each occasion as Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo equalised for The Hatters.
David Raya’s error had contributed to Adebayo’s goal, before the goalkeeper was at fault again as Ross Barkley put Luton in front for the first time.
Kai Havertz hit back almost immediately to level for Arsenal moments later and the game looked to be heading towards a draw until the final seconds. With the game into the seventh of an additional minimum of six minutes, Rice rose to meet Martin Odegaard’s cross to settle a seven-goal thriller in Arsenal’s favour.
“Luton are a top side. They can’t be overlooked in this league because of the quality they have. They made us pay on set pieces,” Rice said to Amazon Prime.
The win moves Arsenal five points clear of Liverpool, who travel to face Sheffield United on Wednesday evening. Rice insisted the North Londoners are only focused on their next game as the Gunners look to mount a title challenge.
“We have to take it every game as it comes. They were eight points clear last season. We have new players like me coming in and learning. It’s just about us and not worrying about anyone else and getting three points each week.
On his winning goal, the midfielder said: “I went off his back should and attacked it. Anything can happen. Those are the moments you look back on. What a game. To score the winner is an honour.”
