Arsenal hero Declan Rice addresses points gap to Liverpool and Man City after late Luton Town drama

Arsenal threw the gauntlet down to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City on Tuesday night as Declan Rice's headed goal deep into second-half stoppage time clinched a dramatic 4-3 win over Luton Town.

The Gunners twice led against the Hatters only to go 3-2 down after Ross Barkley's second-half striker slipped under David Raya. However, Kai Havertz delivered an instant response to bring the visitors level and just when the game looked to be ending in a draw, Rice glanced a header into the back of the net as the clock ticked past the minimum of six added on minutes.

It could prove a significant moment come the end of the season, as Arsenal moved further ahead of Liverpool and City as their two main title rivals play on Wednesday evening. They are five points ahead of Liverpool in second and six ahead of the reigning champions, who are third. On Wednesday, the Reds are on the road at Sheffield United, who have just welcomed Chris Wilder back as manager while Pep Guardiola's side head to Aston Villa, who have won all of their home games this season.

However, Rice has insisted that Arsenal cannot become focused on the gap between themselves and other teams, and insists the focus must be on the task in front of them. He reflected: "Luton are a top side. They can't be overlooked in this league because of the quality they have. They made us pay on set pieces.

"We have to take it every game as it comes. They [Arsenal] were eight points clear last season. We have new players like me coming in and learning. It's just about us and not worrying about anyone else and getting three points each week."

Discussing his winning goal, he said: "I went off his back should and attacked it. Anything can happen. Those are the moments you look back on. What a game. to score the winner is an honour."

Up next for Arsenal is a difficult trip to Villa before they host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on December 17. After that, the Gunners head to Anfield on December 23 in a fixture that is shaping up to be one of the games of the season, with a 5.30pm kick off scheduled on Merseyside.