Premier League Arsenal loanee scores as he looks to end on a high | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Albert Sambi Lokonga scored for Luton Town against West Ham United with a well-timed run on Saturday afternoon.

Albert Sambi Lokonga with Luton Town (Photo via Luton Town on Twitter)

Recently returning from his third injury of the season, Arsenal loanee Albert Sambi Lokonga did his best to keep Luton Town alive in their relegation battle by scoring the opening goal against West Ham United on Saturday.

Luton knew they needed a result to have any realistic chance of staying up, and Lokonga gave them the lead in the sixth minute with a late run into the box and a headed finish.

Luton Town’s Albert Sambi Lokonga (L) fights for the ball with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Luton Town at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 21, 2024. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The goal was not enough in the end, with West Ham rallying in the second half to win 3-1.

The defeat leaves Luton three points and 12 goals adrift ahead of the final day of the season, effectively relegating them.

It would take an unprecedented goal difference swing for that to change, with Luton thrashing Fulham by six or seven and Nottingham Forest losing just as heavily to relegated Burnley.

But from an Arsenal point of view, Lokonga put in a positive display, completing 97% of his 58 passes on top of his goal, and making two interceptions, two clearances, one tackle, and blocking one shot on the defensive end.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Albert Sambi Lokonga of Luton Town clashes with Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Luton Town at St. James Park on February 03, 2024. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Lokonga hasn’t played as much as he would have wanted to this season, due to injury. But when fit, the midfielder has consistently been selected by manager Rob Edwards, and he’s made 18 appearances over the course of the season.

The Arsenal loanee will want to finish the season strongly against Fulham before figuring out his next steps this summer.