“They should be ashamed of themselves because this is never how big clubs win games. Arteta’s tactics is illegal”- Luton manager Rob Edwards slams unlawful Mikel Arteta’s tactics in defeat as he feels Arsenal doesn’t deserve to WIN
Luton Town boss Rob Edwards has shared what he thinks Arsenal are really good at after last night’s game.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video, Edwards reflected on a crushing 4-3 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s men and admitted Arsenal are brilliant in wide areas.
The Gunners netted a 97th-minute winner at Kenilworth Road as Declan Rice popped up a last-gasp header.
It’s fair to say that Arsenal weren’t at their best last night as they looked particularly shaky defensively, with Luton providing a constant threat from set-pieces.
But their persistence paid off in the end as Martin Odegaard delivered an exceptional ball into the box for Rice to head home the winner.
And Rob Edwards has admitted that he was fully aware of the threat Arsenal posed in wide areas ahead of tonight’s game.
Edwards says Arsenal are brilliant in wide areas
Speaking to Prime Video after last night’s game, Edwards shared the area where he thinks Arsenal excel.
“We know we needed them numbers in the wide areas,” the Luton boss said. “Arsenal overload it with that wide triangle like we said before the game.
“They’ve got a real clear way of playing – they can build in different ways. Three and two, two and three, four and one and four and two today as well.
“There were lots of different ways, we’re trying to get pressure on the ball and we’re having to adapt and change constantly. They’re a threat out wide and they get those crosses in the box and we did a lot of work on it as well.”
Three of Arsenal’s goals came from wide areas as Bukayo Saka set up Gabriel Martinelli for their opener in the first half.
Ben White also linked up brilliantly with Saka down the right-hand side before putting it on a plate for Jesus before halftime.
It’s no secret that Arsenal excel in wide areas due to the threats of Martinelli and Saka. And it certainly paid off for them in the end last night.
Arteta’s men were far from convincing at Kenilworth Road but they have picked up a useful habit of winning games while not being at their best.
