SMITH ROWE STANDS OUT AS ARTETA PUTS CHANGES TO WINNING EFFECT

THERE is sure to be plenty of drama in the final weeks of this three-way title race, but a stress-free evening was just the ticket for Arsenal.

- Simon Collings

The Gunners cruised past Luton with one of the most routine wins you will see in the Premier League.

Such was the pedestrian nature of the second half, most people watching on television had probably switched over to catch the end of Manchester City's 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

Not that Mikel Arteta will mind.

Ahead of a busy month and with some big fixtures on the horizon, this was just the night the Gunners manager would have wanted.

Arsenal moved back to the top of the table and, while Liverpool could return to the summit when they play Sheffield United at Anfield tonight, there were plenty of positives for Arteta.

He spoke in the build-up about the need to rotate as Arsenal fight in the title race and for the Champions League and he was true to his word.

The Spaniard made five changes from Sunday's 0-0 draw at the Etihad.

Bukayo Saka was given a rare night off after being left out of the squad, while Declan Rice was on the bench.