Luton Town FC are officially back in the Premier League after 31 years. Luton Town and Coventry City played out a classic in the Championship Playoff final, in a game that will be remembered for ages to come.
Luton Town have written a fine chapter in their history book, beating Coventry 6-5 on penalties to make a destined return to the Premier League.
Daniel Mann, commentating on Sky Sports, post the shootout exclaimed:
“They have been through hell but they are now back!”
The game started on a bright note for Luton Town when Jordan Clark opened the scoring for his side in the 23rd minute. The first half spelled all Luton but Coventry made a strong comeback in the second half. In the opening 45, Luton Town had launched 10 shots in comparison to Coventy’s solitary shot. Post the mid-game break, Coventry looked a different side as they piled up sustained pressure on their opponents before finally constructing a beautiful goal attacking on the break. Gustavo Harner equalized Clark’s opener, forcing the game into the extra time period.
The game was not short of drama though. Matt Godden failed to convert a golden chance for Coventry in the 73rd minute, failing to connect well with Viktor Gyokeres’s well-timed through ball. If that was the chance for Coventry, Luton Town were unlucky to still find themselves level in the second half of the extra time. Jonathan Panzo’s slip-up and then attempted clearance deflected onto Joe Taylor’s arm which was then well controlled by him and driven into the back of the net, with the goal only to be ruled out by VAR on the grounds of a handball.
In the penalty shootout, both sides fared well but Fankaty Dabo missed the final penalty of the evening, sending Luton Town into ecstasy and back into the English top flight.
Sky Sports pundit Dan Goodman, speaking about Dabo’s missed penalty said:
“My first thought goes out to Dabo, what a horrible moment for him.”
Dabo broke into tears following the ending and understandably so. Someone had to miss in the penalty shootout and unfortunately for him, it was his turn today as it was again a case of so close yet so far for Coventry.
Andy Hinchcliffe, the co-commentator alongside Mann on Sky, also praised Luton Town's rise through the English ranks during the trophy lift. He said:
“You don’t need to spend millions to play in the Premier League. You need to get your recruitment right and Luton Town have done that time and again.”
So that closes out the remaining one spot in the PL for next season with Burnley making a return to the top-flight after a one-year absence and Sheffield United, joined by Luton Town.
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