Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley was delighted with his performance in defeat to Arsenal.

Barkley was outstanding on the night, despite the result.

He recalled to The Times: "(Martin) Odegaard did say, 'You have to stop running at me with the ball'.

"Declan (Rice) is physical. Odegaard is less physical but is world-class on the ball.

"When I had the ball, I knew I could move the ball away from him."

Barkley arrived in the summer as a free agent and also revealed: "Before I came, Rob [Edwards] said over the phone he wants me 'to play with the handbrake off, express yourself, chip in with goals, make things happen and just enjoy your football'. That's what swayed me to come.

"Teams expect Luton to be more direct. With me, I try and bring calmness to the middle of the park, suck a few players in and give other players more time on the ball."