BINH DUONG
The suffocating victory over Coventry City in the play-off final last weekend helped Luton Town win the final ticket to play in the English Premier League (EPL) season 2023-2024.
The joy of Luton players after officially being promoted to EPL next season. Photo: Reuters
In the most expensive match in the world, Luton beat Coventry 6-5 on penalties after the two teams drew 1-1 in 120 minutes. Thanks to that, Luton had the first time in history to appear at the EPL. In the 1991-1992 season, the Kenilworth Road home team attended the highest league in England, then called the First Division. This award changed to the name EPL from the 1992-1993 season.
The above feat was beyond Luton's expectations because nine years ago they were still playing in England's fifth division, the semi-pro league. Here, Luton suddenly became the first team in the semi-specialized tournament to eliminate one of the EPL clubs from the FA Cup: Norwich City in 9. Norwich's starting line-up at that time included young striker Harry Kane. By 2013, Luton returned to the Championship first division and persistently strived to become one of the most annoying teams in this arena.
In the Championship season 2022-2023, Luton uses a three-back formation, which is well organized and is especially effective in fixed situations. Midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu is a key player on the pitch as well as in the team's dressing room. In the last 3 seasons, Mpanzu played a total of 2 matches for Luton. If he continues to stick with Luton at the EPL, Mpanzu will become the first player to play in five English divisions in the same club shirt. Contributing to Luton's success were goalkeeper Ethan Horvath, striker Carlton Morris and captain defender Tom Lockyer. Lockyer was an important link to help Luton's defense play tight and conceded only 67 goals, the second least in the Championship.
Luton finished the Championship this season in third place, winning a place to compete for tickets to the EPL (play-off). The promotion forced Luton to spend at least £10 million to upgrade Kenilworth Road to meet EPL standards. With a capacity of just over 10.000 seats, Kenilworth Road is the smallest of the clubs competing in the EPL today. In order to enter the stadium, fans must go through the stairs of neighboring houses to enter.
British media describe Luton winning EPL promotion as winning the lottery. "The 138-year history of this club has witnessed an unprecedented miracle when playing in the EPL and pocketing more than 200 million pounds in three seasons," wrote The Mail on Sunday. Luton is expected to receive more than £3 million over the next 200 seasons from the EPL Organizing Committee for winning this play-off final. If they successfully stay relegated in their first season in the EPL, that amount could rise to £3 million. Therefore, this match is considered the most expensive in the world.
With a time of just 9 years, Luton shared the record of fastest promotion from fifth place to top division, with Wimbledon from 1977-1986. Thus, Luton is the third club to play in the EPL next season after two teams won direct promotion, Burnley and Sheffield United (ranked first and second in the Championship).
