Arsenal climbed back to the top of the English Premier League after beating newcomers Luton 2-0 at home in the intermediate 31st round.
At the Emirates, the Gunners, who were without Bukayo Saka, had their work cut out until the break when they scored both goals. Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the 24th minute off an assist from Kai Havertz, finishing with a tight shot past Hatters goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski. At the end of the first half, Daiki Hashioka scored an own goal, which largely decided the final outcome.
No new goals were scored in the second half and Arsenal are on top with 68 points, one more than second-placed Liverpool, who host bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United tonight. Luton remain in the relegation zone on 22 points, three off the coast. Rob Edwards' side face an important home game at Bournemouth, while Mikel Arteta's men visit Brighton.
Elsewhere, champions Manchester City made no mistake against Aston Villa, winning convincingly 4-1. At the Etihad, Phil Foden became a hero for the Citizens, scoring a hat-trick. The fourth goal was scored by midfielder Rhodri, and Jhon Duran was accurate for the guests.
Pep Guardiola's City are level with Liverpool ahead of the Merseysiders' clash with Sheffield United, while Villa remain fourth on 59 points, two ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand. In the next round, Manchester City visit Crystal Palace, while Unai Emery's side host Brentford.
The Bees drew 0-0 with Brighton in the third match on Wednesday night. /BGNES
