May 11, (THEWILL)- Luton’s hopes of avoiding relegation from the English Premier League now hang by a thread after surrendering a lead to lose 3-1 at home to West Ham, on Saturday.
The Hatters took an early lead through Albert Sambi Lokonga’s first goal in English football but capitulated in the second half against the Hammers. The visitors drew level early in the second period through James Ward-Prowse’s close-range finish. Tomas Soucek then volleyed West Ham ahead on 66 minutes before substitute George Earthy applied the coup de grace and sealed the three points late on.
The damaging defeat leaves Luton requiring an unlikely combination of results on the final day to maintain their EPL status. While the loss piles pressure on manager Rob Edwards, his West Ham counterpart David Moyes took charge at the London Stadium for the final time after the club confirmed his departure.
The Scotsman added continental success to his CV last season but oversaw an inconsistent domestic campaign as the Hammers look likely to finish in the top half. The result leaves Luton on the brink of an immediate return to the Championship.
With an inferior goal difference, their fate could be sealed later on Saturday, if Nottingham Forest beat Chelsea. For West Ham, a disappointing season at least ends with back-to-back victories and a possible top-half finish in Moyes’ Hammers farewell.
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.
