Premier League GW18 - Luton vs Newcastle

Luton vs Newcastle | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Newcastle United and Luton Town played a thrilling Premier League match at Kenilworth Road. The Hatters defeated the Magpies in a thrilling game that was full of drama, emotion, and memorable moments.

Luton:

A week has passed since Luton's previous game, which was played away at Bournemouth and was called off due to a cardiac arrest by Hatters captain Tom Lockyer on the field. Luton is currently in 18th place. If Rob Edwards' team is to stay afloat, they must quickly return to winning ways as they are currently five points behind Nottingham Forest and on the wrong side of the trapdoor.

Newcastle:

Newcastle, on the other hand, is currently seventh in the table after defeating Fulham by one goal last time out after suffering two three-goal losses to Tottenham and Everton. West Ham's victory over Manchester United earlier on Saturday has knocked Eddie Howe's Magpies out of the top six, but three points at Kenilworth Road will move the Toon back into sixth position.

Starting XI:

LUTON TOWN (3-4-2-1):

Thomas Kaminski; Teden Mengi, Gabriel Osho, Amari’i Bell; Issa Kabore, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ross Barkley, Alfie Doughty; Andros Townsend, Jacob Brown; Elijah Adebayo.

LUTON TOWN SUBS: Tim Krul, Mads Andersen, Chiedozie Ogbene, Carlton Morris, Cauley Woodrow, Tahith Chong, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Jordan Clark, Ryan Giles.

NEWCASTLE UNITED (4-3-3):

Martin Dubravka; Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn; Lewis Miley, Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff; Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon.

NEWCASTLE UNITED SUBS: Loris Karius, Paul Dummett, Sven Botman, Matt Ritchie, Alexander Isak, Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Alex Murphy.

Kenilworth Road Stadium | Picture Credits: Planet Sport

First Half: Barkley's Brilliance and Townsend's Header

The first part laid the groundwork for a thrilling competition. Luton dominated the game, spurred on by their former Newcastle winger Andros Townsend. The Hatters displayed their offensive ability, from Townsend's in-swinging cross that caused havoc in the Magpies' box to Ross Barkley's powerful drive that struck the crossbar. The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Townsend skillfully headed the ball into the net after Barkley's flicked header from a corner. After two former England internationals combined to give Luton a 1-0 lead, Kenilworth Road exploded.

Luton's driving force, Barkley, kept up his impressive play, sending Martin Dubravka of Newcastle defenseless with a thunderous long-range shot that rattled the crossbar. Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron gave Newcastle a late first-half push, but Luton had a well-earned lead at the time.

Second Half: Luton's Woodwork Agony and VAR Drama

The exciting story was carried out in the second part. Elijah Adebayo of Luton fired a shot that smacked the crossbar and kept the Hatters from scoring again. In the 61st minute, there was drama when Newcastle appeared to have equalized, but Alexander Isak's goal was disqualified for offside by VAR. The offside call kept Luton's narrow lead intact.

Luton displayed defensive tenacity as the clock ran out, stopping Newcastle's offensive assault. Dubravka produced vital stops, and Luton was saved once more by the woodwork. The Hatters held tight despite late chances for Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Lewis Miley of Newcastle.

Historic Win for Luton

Luton Town closed the distance on safety with a historic victory that saw them secure three crucial points. Townsend's header and a strong defensive effort propelled the Hatters to victory, which is a momentous occasion. Newcastle, on the other side, is frustrated about losing on the road for the fourth straight game.

Kenilworth Road was treated to a display of football that combined talent, passion, and unwavering resolve. While Luton rejoices over this momentous victory, the Premier League story keeps developing. The Hatters celebrate their thrilling victory over Newcastle United and look forward to playing again soon.

Townsend netted a goal and gave Luton a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Isak's goal was disallowed by VAR as it was offside | Picture Credits: Premier League Website