Luton Town secured their first-ever Premier League win as they won 2-1 away at Everton and thoroughly deserved all three points.
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Tom Lockyer and Carlton Morris converted from set pieces in the first half to stun Goodison Park but Dominic Calvert-Lewin did make it 2-1 right on half time.
Everton huffed and puffed in the second half but Luton held on fairly comfortably as Rob Edwards’ side celebrated wildly with their fans in the away end at the full time whistle. Sean Dyche’s Everton were disappointing after their two-straight wins in a week in all competitions had given them hope of a proper recovery from a slow start to the season. It proved to be a false dawn.
Hatters prove they belong in the big time
Luton Town have taken the next step in their Premier League journey impressively as they should have beat Wolves last time out and they were deserved victors at Everton. They took tentative steps in their first few games in the Premier League but they seem to have realized they are were they belong. There is no fear in this Luton side and they are solid, focused and are now making the small margins swing in their favor. Lockyer and Morris getting the goals from set-pieces summed up their attention to detail and the skipper and star forward are key to the Hatters’ hopes to staying in the top-flight. Morris is a menace and ran himself into the ground, while Lockyer also had to come off as his heroics at the back helped Luton stay organized and calm. Hats off to the Hatters.
What’s next?
Everton host Bournemouth on Saturday, Oct. 7 in a massive game at the bottom, while Luton host Burnley on Tuesday, Oct. 2 in a rearranged game and then Tottenham on Saturday.
Luton skipper Tom Lockyer on a special day
“Just look at the pictures at the end. The fans have been incredible with us since the start of the season. We had a few performances where we weren’t at our best and they were with us. It’s special. You can see they know we will give everything for the shirt.”
Alfie Doughty on Luton celebrations: ‘You saw how much it means’
Alfie Doughty was excellent for Luton and he told Premier League Productions about what it meant: “It’s amazing. You saw out there how much it means to everyone. We just need to carry it on now. It’s not an easy ground to come to. You’ve seen that over the years. Again, I think it shows the character from the boys. I think half-time came at a good time as they had the momentum but we kept our cool.”
Everton vs Luton player ratings
Via our friends at FotMob.com, here are the ratings and you can see the spine of the Luton team were very good. Onana, Garner and Doucoure did their best to support Calvert-Lewin but Everton just couldn’t get it right often enough in the final third.
Substitute Beto should make it 2-2
Jack Harrison, on at half time, nods it back to his fellow sub Beto but his header is tame and flies harmlessly over. Beto has to do better with that. Lots of groans around Goodison Park as Everton trail with just 15 minutes to go.
Everton make it 2-1 just before half time
After a lengthy VAR check, the Toffees have pulled one back. A ball into the box sees Onana denied and then Doucoure doesn’t put home the rebound but inadvertently plays it to Calvert-Lewin who taps home. VAR checked for multiple offsides and fouls but the goal stands. Everton 2-1 Luton. Game well and truly on.
Everton hit the crossbar as Garner had to score
Six yards out, free header but James Garner sees his towering header hit the bar and bounce out. He can’t believe it. Delightful dinked cross from Dwight McNeil to set up the chance. Better from Everton. Let’s be honest, it couldn’t get any worse.
2-0 and it is Morris with a beauty from another set piece
Oh dear, Everton. Sean Dyche will be fuming with these two goals they’ve conceded from set pieces. Morris is unmarked and hammers home across goal and that is way too easy. How did he have that much space? Luton don’t care. Everton will. Luton lead 2-0 at Goodison.
Luton lead at Everton thanks to captain Tom Lockyer’s goal
What a moment for Tom Lockyer. After that horrible moment at Wembley in the playoff final last season, Lockyer reacts superbly to a loose ball in the box after a corner is knocked towards goals and he gives Luton the lead. Lockyer’s first Premier League goal and the Hatters lead 1-0 at Everton.
How to watch Everton vs Luton live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10am ET, Saturday (Sept. 30)
TV channel: Peacock
Stream: Watch on Peacock Premium
Everton lineup
Team news is in at Goodison! 📋#EVELUT pic.twitter.com/pPWONn05hG
— Everton (@Everton) September 30, 2023
Focus on Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring goals is a welcome sight for Sean Dyche, as the Toffees center forward scored the last goal in the 3-1 win over Brentford as well as the decisive marker versus Villa. Abdoulaye Doucoure has been at his career-best under Dyche, while the Toffees are getting the best out of ex-Burnley star James Tarkowski as well.
OUT: Seamus Coleman (knee), Dele Alli (groin), Andre Gomes (calf)
Luton Town lineup
Your Away Day Hatters! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1MzXFDK7ze
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) September 30, 2023
Focus on Luton Town
The Hatters go as Carlton Morris goes, and that’s been true for two seasons. The 27-year-old forward has two goals and an assist in his first Premier League campaign, a year after bagging 20 goals in the club’s promotion campaign. Luton boss Rob Edwards has injury concerns as he waits on Tom Lockyer and Ross Barkley. He still will be without Albert Sambi Lokonga.
OUT: Jordan Clark (undisclosed), Dan Potts (undisclosed), Gabriel Osho (knee), Albert Sambi Lokonga (thigh), Ross Barkley (hamstring)