Arsenal fans in DREAMLAND after 'world-class' Albert Sambi Lokonga performance

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 18 Feb 2024 19:20 GMT
• 6 min read

Arsenal fans will be buoyed by Albert Sambi Lokonga’s performance in Luton Town’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.

Rasmus Hojlund netted a brace inside the first 10 minutes at Kenilworth Road to put Erik ten Hag’s side in control and despite a spirited response from Luton, they were unable to find a late equaliser.

Although Rob Edwards will be extremely disappointed with the defeat, the Luton boss will be very encouraged by his side’s performance.

At the heart of Luton’s eye-catching display was the midfield pairing of Ross Barkley and Lokonga. Barkley has been one of the signings of the season after some scintillating form for the Hatters and he was brilliant yet again versus Man Utd.

However, Arsenal fans will be very pleased with how Lokonga conducted himself next to the former Chelsea and Everton midfielder.

Albert Sambi Lokonga - future Arsenal star?

Lokonga, 24, played a bit-part role at Arsenal during his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium, but found game time extremely hard to come by last season.

After very minimal action during the opening six months of the 2022-23 campaign, Lokonga then joined Crystal Palace on loan, but he was unable to make a massive difference at Selhurst Park.

Despite this, he has fared far better since signing for Luton on loan last summer.

He has started in each of Luton’s last eight Premier League games and was on top form against Man Utd.

Lokonga notably made a goal-saving block from a Bruno Fernandes shot in the second-half, while his work in possession was equally impressive.

The Belgian midfielder completed 96% of his passes, four of his five attempted long balls and he registered two key passes as well. Furthermore, Lokonga was strong in his out of possession duties too, winning three of his four ground duels and blocking four shots.

Lokonga’s form will be extremely positive news for Arsenal fans, who will be hoping he will return to the club with a similar impact to William Saliba following his loan spell at Marseille.

The Frenchman has been a revelation since returning from Ligue 1 and is one key reason why Arsenal are fighting for the 2023-24 Premier League title. Whether Lokonga can have a similar impact next season is unknown, but he could be the perfect player to sit next to Declan Rice and allow Martin Odegaard complete creative freedom.

What have Arsenal fans said?