September 23, (THEWILL) – Luton claimed their first English Premier League point of the season in a 1-1 draw with 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. Wolves had Jean-Ricner Bellegarde sent off in the first half but managed to take the lead after the breakthrough of Pedro Neto’s goal.
Luton equalised from the penalty spot through Carlton Morris and had chances to win it but could not find a breakthrough. Luton manager, Rob Edwards, believed his side deserved all three points for their performance, especially after Wolves went down to 10 men before half-time. “I’m pleased but I think it should have been all three points,” he said. “The performance was excellent against a quality side, even with 10 men. We dominated the game and created enough chances to win.”
Edwards was disappointed Luton could not make more of their territorial advantage and 20 shots on goal. The Hatters are still searching for their first EPL win after five matches and remain bottom of the table. Edwards admitted the step up to the top flight has been challenging, saying it’s “like a different sport” and a huge challenge for a smaller club like Luton.
Wolves boss, Gary O’Neil, was also frustrated with his side’s first-half display before the red card. “I’m extremely disappointed with the first 25 minutes,” he admitted. “We lost every duel and were second best all over the pitch.” The 10 men battled to get a point after Neto’s goal but O’Neil felt they handed the initiative to Luton in the opening stages.
The draw leaves Luton on one point after promotion last season and Wolves move onto four points. Luton will need to bounce back quickly if they are to pick up that elusive first EPL win of the campaign.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
