Newcastle and Luton created an exciting score chase when they drew 4-4 in round 23 of the Premier League.
Experts say Newcastle have overcome a difficult winter period after defeating Aston Villa 3-1 in the previous round. Therefore, at home, Eddie Howe's team is expected to crush Luton - a team in the red zone. However, unexpected developments continuously occurred and Luton proved that their 1-0 home win over Newcastle in the first leg was not due to luck.
Elijah Adebayo finished past centre-back Sven Botman and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, raising the score to 4-2 for Luton. Photo: REX
Despite an early goal from Sean Longstaff, the visitors were undaunted. Centre-back Gabriel Osho headed home an equaliser after a set-piece that left goalkeeper Martin Dubravka wide. However, Newcastle took just two minutes to regain the lead. On the counter-attack, Anthony Gordon made his signature run down the left flank. His shot was saved by Thomas Kaminski, who found the back of the net for Longstaff to score twice.
Luton were once considered the weakest team in the Premier League this season. But Rob Edwards's team have made a strong impression in recent weeks. Before the trip to St James' Park, Luton were unbeaten in five consecutive matches in all competitions, including a win over Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup and a 4-0 thrashing of Brighton in the previous round.
Luton's fighting spirit once again paid off. In a counter-attack at the end of the first half, Alfie Doughty's cross was caught by Dubravka, allowing Ross Barkley to tap home a second equaliser for the visitors.
Harvey Barnes scored on his first return after five months out injured. Photo: Shutterstock
Compared to the first half, the second half was even more surprising. Luton scored two goals in a row. They were awarded a penalty after Dan Burn pulled down Chiedozie Ogbene and Carlton Morris tricked Dubravka to put the visitors ahead for the first time. Just three minutes later, Newcastle fell into the counter-attack trap again. Elijah Adebayo comfortably finished unmarked after a pass from Barkley.
With nothing to lose, Newcastle pressed forward and scored twice in 10 minutes through Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes - a $44 million signing from Leicester who had been out since September due to injury. Buoyed by the equaliser, Newcastle continued to press but squandered the chance to score more. The home fans were on their feet for the final minutes, but could only hold their heads in regret as Jacob Murphy tapped the ball wide from just a few metres away.
The 4-4 draw was disappointing for Newcastle fans, but they could be somewhat pleased to have witnessed a spectacular and Premier League-style match. Livescore called it a "classic" match that is typical of the top flight of English football, while the Guardian admitted that the match was as exciting and fun as old-fashioned football, meaning it was impossible to predict what would happen.
Vinh San
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