Luton Town produced a vital victory against relegation rivals Sheffield United as they came from behind to win 3-2 in a thriller to claim back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time.
The Hatters took the lead through Alfie Doughty before two goals in the space of eight second-half minutes put Sheff Utd in front.
However, own goals from Jack Robinson and Anis Ben Slimane sealed a crucial win for Rob Edwards’ side as they move six points above the Blades, and only one point behind 17th-placed Everton.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 |
Nott'm Forest
NFO
|
38 | -18 | 32 |
| 18 |
Luton
LUT
|
38 | -33 | 26 |
| 19 |
Burnley
BUR
|
38 | -37 | 24 |
| 20 |
Sheffield Utd
SHU
|
38 | -69 | 16 |
How the match unfolded
It was a momentous match at Bramall Lane as Sam Allison became the first black referee to officiate a Premier League match since 2008.
Luton took the lead on 17 minutes through Doughty.
The right wing-back produced a fine piece of play to get the better of Gustavo Hamer and after making his way into the penalty area, Doughty’s left-footed shot squirmed under Wes Foderingham.
Hamer tried to make amends at the other end and his free-kick forced a good save from Thomas Kaminski.
Auston Trusty then rose highest to head against the crossbar from Hamer’s inswinging corner, with Sheff Utd ending the half in his ascendancy despite trailing.
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Chances were at a premium for both sides at the start of second half before Andros Townsend came close to doubling Luton’s lead when his right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area flew narrowly over.
That miss proved costly as Sheff Utd went forward at the other end and equalised just after the hour-mark through Oliver McBurnie, the forward converting after being played in by James McAtee.
The contest then turned on its head as eight minutes later Anel Ahmedhodzic scrambled the ball in after Luton had failed to clear their lines to put Sheff Utd in front.
But Luton responded well and levelled in the 77th minute when Carlton Morris’ right-wing cross was met by Robinson, who inadvertently headed the ball into his own net.
Now firmly on top, Luton took a dramatic lead four minutes later after another Morris cross forced a second own goal, this time from substitute Ben Slimane.
The own goals also meant that Sheff Utd became the first team in Premier League history to score twice into their own net in the same match after the 75th minute.
Sheff Utd threw men forward late on in search of an equaliser, but Luton held firm and claimed a vital victory in their hopes of securing top-flight safety.
Key facts
Nine of Sheffield United striker McBurnie's 10 Premier League goals have come at Bramall Lane (90%); among players with 10+ goals in the competition, only Neal Ardley (92%, 11/12 at Selhurst Park) has scored a higher proportion at a single stadium.
Doughty scored his first Premier League goal in what was his 17th appearance in the top-flight. He was Luton's 12th different scorer in the Premier League this season (excl. own goals) – only Newcastle United, Everton and Arsenal have had more different scorers this season (all three with 14).
Sheff Utd are only the second team to concede 47+ goals after their first 19 matches of a Premier League season, and the first since Barnsley in 1997-98 (50 conceded).
Luton Town came back to win a Premier League match after being behind for the very first time. Prior to today, the Hatters had lost 11 and drawn two of the 13 matches in which they had went behind.