Premier League, Everton | Luton missed a winning hat-trick against Everton – still in the relegation zone

In a game with plenty of chances for both teams, Everton took the lead from a VAR penalty midway through the first half, but Elijah Adebayo equalized when he broke Ashley Young in a duel at the far post, took the ball down and smashed it into the goal.

Luton had to win to climb past Nottingham Forest and get above the relegation zone, but are instead behind on goal difference with a game more played.

Everton came from victory in three straight home games and, despite their point penalties, have saved the place. Nevertheless, the team would like to continue the winning streak.

Break grip

It was set for that when Luton stopper Teden Mengi lost his head midway through the first half and took a wrestling hold on Jarrad Branthwaite as they waited for a corner. The referee was called to the VAR screen and was then left in no doubt.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin shot the penalty in the middle of the goal. Thomas Kaminski was about to save with his foot even though he had thrown himself, but the ball went in.

After half an hour, Luton was up to date. In his first game since being injured in February, Adebayo made Young look like a child as they dueled for Albert Sambi Lokonga’s cross. Young was lying flat on the ground when Adebayo scored his 10th league goal of the season.

Insufficient?

Earlier in the season, Luton beat Everton away in both the series and the FA Cup. The team frantically chased their third straight victory, but did not succeed despite intense pressure in the final minutes.

At least there was one point that may prove important when it is calculated in the end. Calvert-Lewin came close to scoring for Everton with a header from close range, but Kaminski produced a good save.

Luton have taken just one win and seven points in total in their last 15 PL games, and that may soon prove too little to renew the contract.

(© NTB)