In a drаmаtic match at Kenilworth Road, Mikel Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper, David Raya, found himself under immense pressure as he committed two terrible mistakes. However, it was Declan Rice who emerged as the hero, scoring a sensational 97th-minute winner to secure a tҺrilling 4-3 victory for Arsenal and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League by five points. The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both teams exchanging blows throughout the evening. Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Arsenal, but Gabriel Osho quickly leveled the score with a free header from a corner. Just before halftime, Gabriel Jesus restored Arsenal’s lead, making it 2-1.

At that point, it seemed like Arsenal was on track for a comfortable win. However, Raya’s errors changed the course of the match. He flapped at a corner early in the second half, allowing Elijah Adebayo to equalize. Shortly after, Raya let a Ross Barkley shot slip under his body, compounding his earlier mistake. These blunders put Arteta’s decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with Raya under scrutiny, and the Arsenal manager will face further questions regarding his goalkeeper choice. Nevertheless, Kai Havertz leveled the score once again, setting the stage for Rice’s late heroics.

In the dying seconds of stoppage time, Rice rose above the defense to score a decisive header past Thomas Kaminski, securing all three points for Arsenal and sparking wild celebrations among the away fans. The match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, with its twists and turns keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Despite Raya’s errors, Arsenal managed to snаtch a remarkable victory, leaving fans exhilarated and their title hopes alive.

David Raya (3/10):

Raya had little chance to save Osho’s well-placed header, but he was beaten too easily by Adebayo for the second goal and let Barkley’s shot slip under his body. His performance was really poor, and these two errors will only add to the doubts surrounding him.

Ben White (7/10):

Although he faced early pressure in the first half, White responded well and posed a threаt down the right flank. His excellent cross set up Jesus’ goal.

William Saliba (7/10):

Saliba looked composed throughout the game and was never really troubled. He cruised through the match as he usually does.

Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

Despite being involved in a couple of strong challenges early on, Magalhaes settled down and formed his usual commanding partnership with Saliba.

Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

Kiwior didn’t appear entirely comfortable playing as a left-back. Luton pressed him quickly, and he struggled at times with his possession play.

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

Lovely assist for Martinelli’s goal and then produced a sublime pass for White in the build-up to Jesus’ second. Another game when he makes a difference for Arsenal.

Gabriel Jesus (8/10):

You could see he was getting rattled by some of the tackles that were coming his way. He kept his head though and scored Arsenal’s second having also play a key role in Martinelli’s opener. Great play to set up Havertz for the third as well.

Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

Took a big Һit early on and never really looked comfortable after that. Was still alert enough to open the scoring though in the first half. Replaced by Trossard early in the second.

Declan Rice (8/10):

Another strong performance. Looked to be the one calm head at times amid all the madness. Popped up with the crucial winner right at the deаth.

Kai Havertz (8/10):

Another goal for Arsenal’s summer signing from Chelsea. After a slow start he is really starting to find his feet. Competed well all evening and showed some nice touches. Impressive.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

Really grew into the first half after a quiet start and linked up well with White and Saka. Wasn’t as influential after half-time, but popped up with the cross right at the end for Rice to head home.