Nigerian Hatters scare title contenders Arsenal in seven-goal Premier League classic

Three Nigerians were on target as newly promoted club Luton Town went toe-to-toe with Premier League title contenders Arsenal.

The trio of Gabriel Osho, Elijah Adebayo, and Ross Barkley netted all the goals in Luton’s thrilling 4-3 defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday night.

A gallant Luton showed up from the blast of the whistle during the PL encounter against Arsenal at Kenilworth Road, Luton.

Bukayo Saka, another Nigerian star on the pitch, provided the first sign of what was about to happen when he beautifully set up teammate Gabriel Martinelli for the game’s opener in the 20th. 

The Hatters responded brilliantly to going a goal down as Arsenal’s lead lasted only five minutes before Osho’s equaliser as the stadium erupted in response.

The Gunners restored their lead just before the break as Gabriel Jesus fired a second to put Arsenal 2-1 ahead at halftime. 

Again, Luton’s response was swift as they drew level four minutes into the second half when the giant Adebayo towered above everyone to level scores at 2-2. 

Former Everton and Chelsea star, Barkley fired a third goal three minutes before the hour mark to put the Hatters in front for the first time in the game and in dreamland. 

It was Mikel Arteta’s Gunners time to respond, and they sure did as Kai Havertz equalised for Arsenal on the hour mark to make it 3-3.

And just when the hosts and their excellent Nigerians thought they had done enough to take a share of the spoils and derail Arsenal’s title charge, 100 million pounds man, Declan Rice struck with a heartbreaking late winner. 

Luton Town came close on occasions to shock the club from North London, but despite a brave performance from them and their Nigerian Hatters, it was Arsenal who proved that they are ready for another intriguing title battle with defending champions, Manchester City. 

The Gunners are now five points clear of second-placed Liverpool at the top of the standings, with champions, City, a further point away in third. 

Meanwhile, for the Hatters, the painful defeat leaves them 17th on the table and close to relegation waters.