Pacesetters West Ham United won 2-1 at Luton Town on Friday, with to goals from Jarrod Bowen and Kurt Zouma, spoiling the hosts’ much-anticipated first top-flight game in their tight Kenilworth Road home in 31 years.
Mads Andersen equalised for Luton in injury time, delighting the loud home crowd by heading past custodian Alphonse Areola, but their night ended in loss.
West Ham, who last defeated Luton at home in 1992, are in provisional first place with 10 points after four games, while Rob Edwards’ Hatters are still looking for their first points of the season.
“It’s been a great start for me and the team, and we’re actually disappointed to be sitting here with 10 points rather than 12,” Bowen told Sky Sports.
In the 37th minute, Lucas Paqueta set up Bowen’s third goal of the season with a brilliant cross to the far post, which was headed in off the hands of goalie Thomas Kaminski, who collapsed on his back in disgust.
“I got away with that one because I went straight at the keeper.” “I don’t score many headers,” said Bowen, who became the first West Ham player since 1930 to score in the opening three away games.
James Ward-Prowse’s beautiful corner set up Zouma’s goal in the 85th minute.
“It’s a great feeling in a tough game,” remarked Zouma of his goal. “James sent in a great ball, and I had no choice but to put it in.” We knew they’d put pressure on us, so we had to maintain our cool and retain the ball.
“Luton made it difficult for us; it was very crowded, but we played well.” “I am very proud to be captain, and I did my best today by scoring.”
Late appeals for a handball against Ward-Prowse went unanswered.
“I will be very disappointed if we are on the wrong side of a decision because those are huge for us,” Edwards added. “But I can’t just stand here and blame it.”
THE KENNY
Despite the setback, Luton’s tight cauldron of a stadium, established in 1905 and affectionately nicknamed as “The Kenny,” played a starring role on the night after a 10 million pound ($12.59 million) refurbishment after the club’s promotion.
“We showed character to deal with the atmosphere,” said West Ham manager David Moyes to the BBC. “Excellent against a tough team that will put teams under a lot of pressure.” Overall, I believe we performed well tonight.
At the opposite end of the table, Luton Town have lost all three games, conceding nine goals and scoring two.
The Hatters have returned to the top division following an incredible 10-year journey from non-league to the peak of English football.
“We knew it was going to be difficult,” Edwards said, according to Sky Sports. “There’s nothing to be afraid of; I just told the lads in there the same thing, and I’m glad we got to experience it.”
“I’m not thinking about the result, and the players aren’t either, but we’re desperate to get something to really get that belief going to see it and desperate to give these crowds some points to cheer about.”
With multiple opportunities, the newcomers had the sea of orange supporters on their feet, notably Ryan Giles’ early cross into the area that Areola allowed slip through his fingers.
New signee Moments later, Ross Barkley unleashed a left-footed shot that flew just wide of the West Ham goal.
Luton Town also had a fantastic second-half opportunity when Alfie Doughty hit a long-range drive that was deflected over the bar, but their goal was too late for a share of the spoils.
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