Having recorded just one point from their opening five Premier League encounters, Luton Town travelled to Goodison Park on Saturday. Optimism amidst the camp was high, and a clash against a struggling Everton outfit would seemingly provide a great opportunity to record their first-ever Premier League victory.
EVE: Pickford; Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Young; McNeil, Gueye, Onana, Garner; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
LUT: Kaminski; Bell, Lockyer, Burke; Doughty, Nakamba, Mpanzu, Kaboré; Ogbene, Brown; Morris
With Luton Town already condemned by many fans to occupy one of the Premier League’s three relegation spots come the end of the season, it looked as though their fortunes would continue to wilt at Goodison Park – with Dwight McNeil blasting a volleyed effort just wide of the post in the early stages as Everton sought to start strongly.
Missed opportunities for James Garner, Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana would provide some relief for the Hatters though – as on another day, they’d have quite easily found themselves trailing by three or four.
But when Tom Lockyer powered the visitors into the lead in the 24th minute, there was a palpable switch in momentum, and the Luton lead was swiftly doubled by Carlton Morris just seven minutes later with a side-footed volley at the back post.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe action was far from over on Merseyside though, and while Garner struck the crossbar with his headed attempt, the Toffees would eventually pull one back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s close-range strike.
The forward could have restored parity and completed his brace in the second half – but his volley flew wide of the post, and Beto missed two chances as he propelled headed efforts over the bar.
Luton will return to Kenilworth Road on Tuesday as they host Burnley, while Everton host AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
