Title contenders Arsenal beat new side Luton Town on Wednesday night to temporarily go to the top of the table, ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men dominated possession in the opening stages at the Emirates but created few clear-cut openings, they could not finish.
But they got through in the 24th minute when Gunners captain Martin Odegaard sweet left-footed strike away from Luton’s keeper.
Emile Smith-Rowe stole possession and fed Odegaard, who played a one-two with Kai Havertz before stroking the ball home.
Arsenal doubled their lead in the 44th minute thanks to an own goal from Luton defender Daiki Hashioka, after being pressured by Smith Rowe.
In the second half, Arsenal focused on seeing the game through rather than taking more chances.
Arteta brought on midfielder Declan Rice and forward Eddie Nketiah, adding Gabriel Martinelli with 15 minutes to play.
Arsenal, who have conceded just four goals in the league in 2024, travel to Brighton on Saturday before hosting Villa on April 14.
Defeat for depleted Luton leaves Rob Edwards’ side third from bottom of the English top flight, three points from safety, and facing an immediate return to the Championship.
The result lifts Arsenal to 68 points – one ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who host Sheffield United on Thursday.
Manchester City also thrashed Aston Villa to level points with Liverpool, with one game for the Reds to play.
