Luton complete fairytale rise to EPL riches
LONDON: Luton completed a fairytale journey to the Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday.
The Hatters secured a fourth promotion in 10 seasons 6-5 in the shoot-out after the sides were tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Financial experts estimate promotion to world football’s most watched league to be worth around £170 million (US$210 million) for a club that have been through turmoil since they last played in the top flight 31 years ago.
Luton are the first club to go from the fifth tier to the top flight in the Premier League era.
Midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has been on that whole journey and becomes the first player to go from the National League to Premier League with the same club.
“I feel like I completed football,” said Mpanzu. It’s been a journey. It’s going to be a party all summer.”
Luton had to recover from an early shock when captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the field.
The Welsh centre-back was stretchered off and taken to hospital, where the club confirmed he was responsive and able to talk to his family.
Lockyer had played his part when
Luton had the ball in the net after just five minutes when Gabriel Osho was flagged offside as he forced the ball in from close range.
But a bright start from Rob Edwards’ men was rewarded on 23 minutes when Elijah Adebayo’s good work down the left teed up Jordan Clark to smash home at the near post.
Adebayo had a second Luton goal ruled out before half-time for handball.
Coventry were much improved after the break and got their reward 24 minutes from time when Viktor Gyokeres teed up Gustavo Hamer to fire into the far corner.
Tired legs and tension took over in extra-time, but Coventry had a massive let off four minutes from time.
Joe Taylor slotted home after charging down Jonathan Panzo’s clearance, but the goal was ruled out as the ball struck the Luton man’s hand.
All of the first 11 penalties were then scored as the takers showed incredible poise under the most extreme pressure.
But when Fankaty Dabo’s effort sailed over the bar, Luton’s dreams came true.