Gold reserves

Mikel Arteta praised his bit-part players after they helped take Arsenal back to the top of the English Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Luton Town.

Forward Reiss Nelson made his first league start of the season, Emile Smith Rowe his third and midfielder Thomas Partey was in the starting XI for the first time since August.

With Declan Rice, Jorginho and Gabriel Jesus left on the bench and Bukayo Saka not in the squad, however, Arsenal showed they have the strength in depth that was in doubt last season when their title hopes evaporated in the closing months.

Smith Rowe was especially impressive, having a hand in both goals, while Partey quickly got up to speed.

"It's a joy to have them fit. If we want to utilize the squad and maximize what we have, they have to play," Arteta said. "I think they did really well.

"We have won again with good confidence and I think they've been really important for us."

It was a bold move by Arteta to make five changes from the side that drew 0-0 with champions Manchester City on Sunday, although Rice and Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench late on.

"When they have the moment, they have to take it and they certainly did," he said of his squad players.

"You have to do what is right and what they deserve, and I was full of confidence that they would respond."

Captain Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after 24 minutes and an own goal by Daiki Hashioka after good work by Smith Rowe put the hosts firmly in control on the stroke of half-time.

Arteta reserved special praise for Smith Rowe, saying: "I love him as a player. It's a joy to watch him, how he moves, how he changes direction, how physical he was as well without the ball."

Arteta also hailed the 23-year-old's "killer instinct."