Luton’s Adebayo Rescues Draw, Keeps Survival Hopes Alive
Elijah Adebayo’s timely equalizer against Everton on Friday kept Luton Town’s hopes of Premier League survival alive. Despite trailing to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty, Adebayo’s crucial goal before halftime earned Luton a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
Luton, currently third from bottom, remain in contention to avoid relegation despite winning only once in their last 15 league games. They trail fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest on goal difference, with Forest facing relegated Sheffield United on Saturday.
A Forest victory at Bramall Lane would put them three points ahead of Luton, who have two remaining fixtures against West Ham and Fulham. Luton’s survival bid is further complicated by the pending verdict on Forest’s appeal against a four-point deduction for financial breaches.
Despite losing eight points for their own financial irregularities, Everton had already secured their Premier League status with three games to spare. Sean Dyche’s side, winners of their previous three matches, had little to play for in their first visit to Kenilworth Road in 17 years.
Luton’s early penalty appeals were denied, but they were awarded a spot-kick in the 23rd minute when Teden Mengi fouled Jarrad Branthwaite. Calvert-Lewin converted the penalty to give Everton the lead.
Undeterred, Luton equalized seven minutes later. Adebayo controlled Albert Sambi Lokonga’s pass, outmuscled Ashley Young, and fired a fine finish past Jordan Pickford. Adebayo’s goal was his 10th of the season.
Luton continued to press, with Carlton Morris having a header cleared off the line by Ben Godfrey. Everton also had chances, with Jack Harrison and Calvert-Lewin forcing saves from Thomas Kaminski.
In the end, the draw left Luton’s fate in the hands of Forest. A Forest win on Saturday would put them in a strong position to avoid relegation, while a Luton victory in their remaining two games would give them a chance to leapfrog Forest.