Crystal Palace 1-1 Luton Town: Cauley Woodrow scores late leveller

Cauley Woodrow scoresImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Cauley Woodrow scored his first Premier League goal of the season

A stoppage-time goal from Cauley Woodrow saw Luton Town snatch a draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles made a fast start and Jean-Philippe Mateta put his team into the lead after just 11 minutes.

A pass back from Alfie Doughty towards his goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski led to a mix-up between Gabriel Osho and Kaminski, and Daniel Munoz took advantage before giving the ball to Mateta, who finished with a clever flick into the corner of the net.

The home side had 21 shots during the match and missed a host of chances to make sure they took all three points, with Mateta, Daniel Munoz, Jordan Ayew and Ebere Eze going close before Odsonne Edouard hit the crossbar late on.

Palace were then punished for not taking their opportunities when second-half substitute Woodrow headed in a cross from Andros Townsend in the 96th minute to spark wild celebrations in the away end and earn what could be a vital point for Luton in the fight against relegation.

Same old problem for Palace

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Crystal Palace 1-1 Luton: Glasner says draw 'hurts'

Conceding late goals has plagued Crystal Palace all season and, coming into this match, the Eagles had conceded 21 goals in the last 15 minutes of their Premier League matches - more than any other side.

When the six minutes of added time were announced to the stadium, there was a huge groan from the home supporters.

And manager Oliver Glasner will not believe that his side have not taken all three points, with the game's statistics pointing to what should have been a victory.

The expected goal stat (XG) had Palace with 2.37 while Luton's equaliser was just their second shot on target of the match.

The Palace players have spoken about how the new style implemented by Glasner is taking some time to adjust to, due to the intensity of play he expects.

Glasner is taking his Palace side to Marbella for a training camp next week, where he will look to improve the players' fitness.

The Eagles have 21 days before their next Premier League match, away to Nottingham Forest.

Crucial point for Luton

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Crystal Palace 1-1 Luton: Edwards says Hatters players do not know when they are beaten

Woodrow's late goal means that Luton have stayed within touching distance of the teams above them and that they are only three points from safety.

Luton have made a habit of scoring late goals and the 15 they have scored in the last 15 minutes of Premier League games this season is second only to league leaders Liverpool (24).

Rob Edwards will be delighted they have been able to get something from a game where they only had their first shot on target after 80 minutes.

Carlton Morris had an effort saved well by Sam Johnstone in the Palace goal but the visitors struggled to impose themselves on the match as the home side missed a number of big chances.

That was before former Palace man Townsend's cross was headed in by Woodrow to get what could be a crucial point as they look to avoid the drop.

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