Luton Town 1-1 Everton: Hatters remain in bottom three after draw

Luton Town missed the chance to move out of the Premier League relegation places as they were held to a draw against Everton at Kenilworth Road.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin coolly converted after Luton defender Teden Mengi was penalized for bringing down Jarrad Branthwaite following intervention by the video assistant referee.

Elijah Adebayo showed exactly what Luton were missing as the striker marked his first start since early February with the equalizer seven minutes later, the big striker proving too strong for Ashley Young before firing low past Jordan Pickford.

Both teams had chances after the break with Luton goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski well stopping Jack Harrison’s deflected shot and Calvert-Lewin’s header, but the deadlock was not broken.

The draw leaves Rob Edwards’ side in the bottom three, level on points with Nottingham Forest but having played a game more.

“We obviously wanted to win the game,” Edwards said. “We’ve pulled out all the stops, so I’m disappointed at the moment.

“The fans can see that the players give absolutely everything for the jersey. There is pride.

“We are still in the mix and the fight, we have to keep believing.”

Adebayo shows what could have been

Luton’s Adebayo has reportedly left manager Rob Edwards with mixed feelings after completing a goal comeback with his 10th in the league this season.

Edwards would have been happy to see the 6-foot-3 Adebayo back on the mark, but he’ll also wonder what might have happened if he hadn’t had that lengthy injury stretch.

Adebayo’s overall play gives Luton an extra dimension and he was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was substituted late on after tiring.

Luton will be disappointed not to get more out of this game after fighting back and creating chances in the second half, including headed chances for Mengi and Ross Barkley, before a frantic finish.

They mounted a late surge that required some desperate defending from Everton, but were unable to make the breakthrough that would have made such a difference as the season enters its final stages.

As always, Luton were full of effort, with energetic winger Tahith Chong the perfect example. Kenilworth Road once again created a great atmosphere, with the home fans showing their appreciation for their players’ efforts with prolonged applause after the final whistle.

It was all tinged with regret, however, as Luton are now at a stage in the season where wins are required and not draws.

Everton take over

Everton, perhaps understandably, did not show the same intensity that brought them three home wins in a week – including the outstanding 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby – now that safety was assured.

They still put in plenty of effort and none of Luton’s relegation rivals can complain with Everton’s approach, several desperate late clearances and resolute defending proving their desire and determination to come away from Kenilworth Road again with at least one point.

Everton are enjoying the relative wealth of watching the relegation battle safely after the near misses of the previous two seasons, so they should now play with more freedom.

It was, given the circumstances, a case of predictable attrition, although manager Sean Dyche may wonder whether Everton could have controlled the ball more against a Luton defense which at times looked nervous .

Dyche was also sure his side should have been awarded a second penalty, after Dwight McNeil appeared to be caught out by Teden Mengi.

“I know there’s been a lot of news and noise recently about penalties, but I’m surprised we haven’t had another one. This one, based on the penalties I’ve seen seen this season, I’m very surprised they didn’t give it away.

For now, Everton can leave those below them worrying about relegation as they close out another traumatic campaign.