Luton Town

Here are the key facts and figures following Sunday’s game between Luton Town and Fulham in the Premier League.

• Luton's relegation confirms that this is only the second ever Premier League campaign to see all three promoted clubs go straight back down, after 1997-98 (Barnsley, Bolton, Crystal Palace).

• The Hatters scored 52 Premier League goals this season. In a 20-team campaign, only Blackpool (55 goals in 2010-11) have scored more in a season in which they were relegated.

• Luton lost 11 home games in the Premier League this season, their most ever in a single top-flight campaign. The Hatters also conceded 85 league goals this term overall, with only Sheffield United (104) and Darmstadt (86) letting in more goals across Europe's top five leagues so far this season.

• Fulham conceded 61 goals in the Premier League this season, only letting in more during the 2013-14 (85) and 2018-19 (81) campaigns in the competition, which both saw the Cottagers relegated.

• Joao Palhinha recorded 152 tackles in the Premier League this season, the most of any player in the competition. He also remains the only player across Europe's top five leagues to record both 100 or more tackles and win 250 or more duels in 2023-24.

Raul Jimenez scored twice as Fulham beat relegated Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on the final day of the Premier League season.

Adama Traore produced a unerring finish into the bottom corner as Fulham took the lead just before the break.

But after Calvin Bassey was adjudged to have fouled Chiedozie Ogbene, Carlton Morris rolled home the penalty to equalise.

Jimenez restored Fulham's lead deep into first-half added time, slotting in a first-time effort from Harry Wilson's pass.

The Mexico international got in front of the Luton defence and headed home his second from a Harrison Reed free-kick minutes after the interval.

Alfie Doughty's free-kick reduced the deficit as it found the bottom corner with Leno rooted to the spot.

Marco Silva's side restored their two-goal advantage when Wilson curled into the top corner from the edge of the box.

What did you make of the game?

Luton fans, how do you feel now that relegation has been confirmed?

Fulham fans - are you happy with your final performance this season?, external

Follow reaction and read the match report

All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2023-24 Premier League season, with the title winners, European spots and one relegation place still to be confirmed.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Luton have an almost - but not entirely - impossible task on the final day, but what a first Premier League season it has been for the Hatters.

We asked you how you were feeling before Sunday's game and how confident you are that Rob Edwards will stay at the club.

Here are some of your replies:

Russell: This team, this manager and everyone involved with Luton Town have been absolutely brilliant this season in the best league in world football. It has given the club confidence and belief to progress in the future.

Christian: I am excited for the future. I grew up in the 80s with legends Harford, Stein, Foster, Hill, Sealy, etc. We won the League Cup in 1988 and would have been in Europe if not for the English ban. But never, yes never, did I expect in my lifetime we would ever be top flight again. Money dictates, but we spent so carefully and we are set for the next decade now.

Amelia: I am so proud of Luton. They have shown why they got promoted. The players show what Luton means to them every single game whether it is celebrations or tears. They feel what the fans feel and that is what football is all about. Kenilworth Road is a great atmosphere to be in. I would class it as my second home.

Jamie: Edwards just simply has to stay. What a Herculean effort from the Hatters. We will be back.

Elliott: Sunday is just a chance to end on a high. I am personally excited for next season with optimism high for an immediate return with the right man in charge and the best group you could have asked for. They have given it their all despite the countless injuries. To even take it to the final day is a massive achievement!

Jonathon: I think Rob will stay. We had the near impossible task of staying up, and all Luton fans are proud to have him here. This summer we will regroup, rebuild, and come back stronger.

Ross: I am desperate for Rob to stay with us next season. Whatever players we lose or sign, he feels like the best man for the job. He gets the club, he gets the town - and that is vital as the Luton manager. Some neutrals think we are top six certainties, if not promotion candidates, but I am not so sure. A year to build again would not be a bad thing.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend’s final games of the season, he takes on Gladiators star Legend.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

One win in their past 17 league games has put pay to Luton's chances of staying up.

There is still talk of hope for the Hatters but, let's be realistic, they are not going to to overhaul Forest's vastly superior goal difference.

Will Rob Edwards' side bow out with a win, though? No.

Fulham have been accused of being on the beach already, but I am backing them here.

Legend's prediction: 1-0

This could be a similar outcome to Burnley because they will throw a lot at it.

Read all of Sutton's predictions for the final day of the season here

Image source, Getty Images

If you haven't done so already, you have until 10:00 BST on Wednesday, 22 May to cast your vote for Luton Town's player of the season from our shortlist.

The candidates have been chosen by fan writer Ollie Kay from We Are Luton Town, external.

Find out the reasons behind his selections and make your choice here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Rob Edwards has been speaking to the media before Luton Town host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Edwards confirmed that Reece Burke and Ross Barkley will both miss the final game of the season through injury.

• On Barkley, whose future with the club is still unclear, he added: "We have had a good chat. We want to be open and honest with each other. He is an ambitious person, as we all are. He recognises what this club has done for him and what we have done for each other. He has loved this season at the club. Nothing is off the table and we are really hopeful he will stay but we are also realistic in this day and age."

• The Hatters boss feels the club "is in a really healthy position", despite being set for a return to the Championship, and added: "We're only looking forward and club is in really great position. I'm really proud of what we have done the past 18 months. We have given everything and given a really good account of ourselves. We have shown Luton to the world in a really good light. Players, staff, supporters and I'm really proud of that."

• On keeping hold of players: "We have to think about what is best for the football club and there is a human side to everything as well. We will be in a really good position going into next season and we want to keep the majority of the squad together and I'm pretty sure we will do that."

• On what he has learned about himself: "I'm always open to learning and improving and getting better. I've done that along with staff and players this year. I have leant that I feel comfortable at this level, and along with the players and staff, that really pleases me. What it has also taught me is I'm a little bit jealous of the people who are going to be here next year and I really want to get back."

• Edwards said that himself and the club are "ambitious" and that it is "really disappointing to drop down," but added: "We also recognise how far we have come and we are in better position to attack the league than a year ago. We know how difficult the Championship is, it's a big challenge ahead but one we will really look forward to and relish."

• On message to fans: "Once again, thank you the support and the understanding. They have been really intelligent, been incredible for us. Enjoy the break and get ready to back us again next season."

Follow Friday's manager new conference updates

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League season finishes on Sunday, with the league champions, qualifiers for European competitions and the third relegated club all yet to be confirmed.

The title

Manchester City start the day two points ahead of Arsenal but with a marginally worse goal difference.

City will be champions:

• If they beat West Ham

• If they draw or lose AND Arsenal fail to win

Arsenal will be champions:

• If they beat Everton AND City fail to win - an Arsenal win and a City draw would hand the title Arsenal on goal difference

The remaining European places

The fifth-place finisher qualifies for the Europa League. For sixth and seventh, it will depend on the outcome of the FA Cup final, the winners of which earn a Europa League place.

If Manchester City win the FA Cup, that Europa League place reverts to the league so the sixth-placed team will play in next season's Europa League, and the seventh-placed team will be in the Europa Conference League.

If Manchester United win the FA Cup, they get in the Europa League wherever they finish, and the highest-placed team not yet qualified for Europe gets the Europa Conference League place.

So let's take it team by team...

Tottenham:

• Will be fifth if they avoid defeat at Sheffield United, or if Chelsea fail to win

• Will be sixth if they lose AND Chelsea win

Chelsea:

• Will be fifth if they beat Bournemouth AND Tottenham lose

• Will be sixth if they win AND Tottenham avoid defeat

• Will be sixth if they draw, regardless of any other results

• Will be seventh if they lose AND Newcastle United win, or if Manchester United win while making up a 16-goal swing in goal difference over the Blues

• Will be eighth if they lose AND Newcastle win AND Manchester United win while making up the aforementioned 16-goal swing

Newcastle:

• Will be sixth if they win at Brentford AND Chelsea lose

• Will be seventh if they win AND Chelsea avoid defeat

• Will be seventh if they draw AND Manchester United fail to win

• Will be seventh if they lose AND Manchester United lose

• Will be eighth if they fail to win AND Manchester United win

Manchester United:

• Will be sixth if they win at Brighton AND Chelsea lose, with United making up an unfathomable 16-goal swing in goal difference on them, AND Newcastle fail to win

• Will be seventh if they better Newcastle's result, if they win and Newcastle fail to win, or if they draw and Newcastle lose

• Will be eighth if Newcastle match their result, if both teams win, draw or lose, or if Manchester United draw and Newcastle avoid defeat - or if Manchester United lose no matter what happens elsewhere

There is a highly unlikely scenario in which Manchester United could overtake Newcastle if both clubs win or both lose. However, it would require an improbable 25-goal swing in goal difference for this to occur. For example, if Newcastle win 1-0, Manchester United would need to win by a margin of 26 goals or more to move above them in the table.

The remaining relegation spot

Luton Town will be relegated unless they beat Fulham AND Nottingham Forest lose at Burnley, while the Hatters would also need to make up a 12-goal swing in goal difference across the two games, which would improbably relegate the Reds instead.

Image source, Reuters

The latest episode of Luton In The Prem from BBC Three Counties Radio is available now.

Geoff Doyle and Simon Oxley discuss the Hatters' probable relegation from the top flight before Sunday's final game of the season against Fulham, and which players could potentially leave the club in the summer.

Listen now on BBC Sounds

Wolves are in the news this week for their pursuit of a vote on the scrapping of VAR.

Their wishes drew further scrutiny on Wednesday when Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a contentious call before offering a strong view on the technology after his side went down at Manchester United.

"Modified" is the word when we are talking about VAR going to a vote.

We are still getting to grips with it, but we have seen some good come from it. There have been some instances of indifferent decisions because calls are getting too many looks at them from so many angles.

They still do not know what is a good tackle and what is not. I think they need help from some former players, who have been in that situation and understand what the differences are in those challenges.

We keep talking about different angles and that is not going to go away because with VAR or without it, on certain challenges we would still disagree. You could have two current players in a room and they still would not agree.

It is Wolves' opinion on VAR and if they feel it is not working for them, then you can understand why they are saying to have a go without it again.

Molineux boss Gary O'Neil has been very frustrated, but he has also been balanced and tried to stay quiet. Now he does not want to stay quiet because he feels it does not benefit them and decisions are not going their way.

Overall, we have seen good things from VAR, even if it does bring with it a delay and a wait.

It would be a shame now for it to all go away when we have all the technology in place.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

An almost - but not entirely - impossible task for Luton on the final day, but what a first Premier League season it has been for the Hatters.

What are your thoughts going into Sunday?

Excited or nervous for the future?

How confident are you Rob Edwards will stay for the long term?

Have your say here.

Here are the key facts and figures before Sunday's game between Luton Town and Fulham in the Premier League.

• Luton are winless in their past six league games against Fulham, but both draws in that run have been in their most recent two home meetings with the Cottagers.

• Following their 1-0 win in the reverse fixture, Fulham are looking to complete their first league double over Luton since the 1953-54 campaign.

• Since their return to the Football League in 2014, Luton have only lost their final league game in one of their nine seasons (W6 D2), a 3-1 loss at QPR in 2020-21.

• Fulham have not won their final league game in any of the past six seasons (D1 L5), since beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 in 2016-17.

Geoff Doyle
BBC 3CR sports editor

Image source, Reuters

It is a mark of the man that Rob Edwards was so emotional following defeat to West Ham which effectively relegated the Hatters. He could not hide his disappointment nor did he want to.

To suggest he had let Luton fans down was a non-starter. It is the opposite. Edwards can hold his head high and look back with pride at what his team has achieved.

Luton spent approximately £25m in total on signings last summer. They signed a League One player, half a dozen from the Championship, some free agents and added them to the gang that got them out of the Championship which was in itself a huge achievement.

This mix of good, hungry, determined fighters have had to step up against the world’s best players. Across 37 Premier League matches, they have properly been in 33 of them and given tough games to top, top teams.

It was always going to be a case of would they be quite good enough and it has taken until the final Premier League game to find out the answer.

Edward has only been at the club 18 months but already he has hero status and rightly so. As a manager and with his coaches Richie Kyle, Paul Trollope, Kevin Pilkington, Alan McCormack and Kevin Foley they have proved to be a coaching unit unafraid to take risks and to play positively.

They gave us some wonderful moments against the big boys at Kenilworth Road and even in defeat away from home there were many, many highs.

As well as being an excellent boss, Edwards is a delightful human being. People always say to me, "He seems such a nice guy. Is he really like that?" Yes he is.

At pre-match news conferences he has been asked similar and sometimes silly questions (including by myself) which other managers would have scoffed at. But Edwards has never done that and instead has had a smile and received us with his warm, humble nature.

He has been stressed and tired at times - he has had a lot to deal with this season. So when the final whistle blows at Kenilworth Road on Sunday he really has earned and deserves a rest.

Next season roles will be reversed and his team will have the upper hand as far as quality is concerned over the majority of the other Championship teams.

Relax and enjoy a long holiday, Rob.

Listen to live commentary of Luton Town v Fulham on BBC Three Counties Radio from 16:00 BST on Sunday

Ollie Kay
Fan writer

We asked our Luton fan contributor for their four player of the season choices and you can now vote for your top one.

Image source, Getty Images

Ross Barkley

He has been widely discussed among the fanbase as "the best player to have worn the shirt". He might leave us, if we are to go down, but a lot of Hatters are happy to have watched a 33-capped England international play for our team. He is also grateful that we have breathed new life into his career, as he sits on five goals and six assists from midfield, as well as being statistically one of the most progressive midfielders in world football.

Thomas Kaminski

He is a goalkeeper we were chasing for most of the summer, and an absolute bargain at £2.5m. He is certainly the best keeper I have seen at Luton in my 30 years following the club, and regarded as possibly the best one since the late, great Les Sealey. Sure we have shipped a lot of goals, but if it were not for Kaminski’s tremendous saves, it would be a lot more.

Teden Mengi

Originally signed as one for the future, Teden has surpassed all expectations. A player who got a chance because of the injury crisis hitting particularly hard in defence, he settled into the backline like a seasoned pro. He is fast, powerful and a born leader. Ironically, he would be a starter for Manchester United this season had he not been shown the door - but their loss is our gain, and he has become an instant fan favourite.

Carlton Morris

Carlton beats Elijah Adebayo to the list purely because he has had to keep going without respite this season. As a result of the injuries in our forward line, Carlton just has not had a break. He also stepped up as captain in the absence of his good friend Tom Lockyer and has led the team impeccably. He has hit double figures this season and is a great character to have in the changing room.

Honourable mentions

Honourable mentions go to Alfie Doughty, who has stepped up well to the Premier League and shown he delivers a highly accurate ball into the box. Reece Burke, who has come through the second half of this season so well, considering he has suffered a lot of injuries during his time at Luton. Unfortunately, Adebayo also misses out on this list. He is a tremendous footballer, but just as he was coming into form, he got injured in the warm up against Manchester United. The big man has still bagged 10 Premier League goals this season in 15 starts!

Pick your 2023-24 Luton player of the season from our shortlist here

Ollie Kay can be found at We Are Luton Town, external

Ollie Kay
Fan writer

Although Luton Town are not relegated just yet, it has become all but confirmed, with a Nottingham Forest loss and a 12-goal swing required in the final game of the season.

A lot of Luton fans have made their peace with the situation. The fact that all three promoted sides are going back down is indicative of what the Premier League is becoming - a closed shop.

Teams can come up and spend close to, or in excess of, £100m on signings and still struggle to make headway in the league, as seen by Sheffield United and Burnley.

You will be hard pressed to see many Hatters who are disappointed with our final position when taking into account we spent only £20m on additions this season.

The primary gripes will be regarding how we have failed to hold on in games where we have put ourselves ahead. Hindsight is useless though. Could we have been more pragmatic in games where we were winning to try to hold on? Well yes, but it does not matter now, and our focus shifts to next season, with every fan excited to see what business we do in the summer.

Luton Town have won the hearts and minds of the neutral fan this season. The majority of these people will be following our progress closely next season, and if we are to make a quick return to the Premier League, I am sure lessons will have been learnt in the boardroom and by management before we kick a ball next time in the top tier.

Ollie Kay can be found at We Are Luton Town, external

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty is answering all of your footballing questions.

Anonymous asked: Luton Town are all but relegated but how do you rate their efforts to avoid the drop compared to the other two promoted clubs?

Phil answered: I think they gave it a real crack but in the end just suffered from a lack of quality, not effort or determination.

They were just not good enough in the key moments, often losing games they were in a position to win. There is no shame in that though, and manager Rob Edwards has enhanced his reputation even in relegation.

Out of the three promoted clubs who are going back down, I think Luton Town did themselves the most credit and if they can keep that squad (although I would be surprised if Ross Barkley wanted to play in the Championship) together along with the manager then they can have another tilt at promotion next time around.

We asked for your comments on Saturday's match between West Ham and Luton Town.

Here are some of your answers:

West Ham fans

Mike: I feel for Luton fans. Wanted them to stay up but really pleased David Moyes got a final home win. Irrespective of the animosity this season - which I have sympathy with - he has been amazing for us. European tours and one amazing night in Prague. I waited 60 years for that. Thank you sir. You leave us better than you found us.

Harry: Great victory. At half-time I thought we were going to lose but we managed to produce a good comeback. Good enough to maybe score four or five and a great display in Moyes' final home game. Let's hope we get a win against City and give the gaffer a good send off. And then hope Lopetegui can do as good a job.

Graza: If you could have written a script to sum up West Ham under Moyes, you'd have that game. First half abject, couldn't pass, couldn't shoot and should have been more than one down. Second half a completely different team, dynamite on the break and get the result. Summer is all important, especially recruitment. We'll see what happens.

Luton fans

Alec: Proud but sad.

Leonine: Always thought that getting to the Premier League was a step too far for us just now, but we are considerably stronger because of it and can grow. It was squad depth that cost us and that can be addressed. COYH

Michael: Sadly the Premier League is all about money and Luton don't have any .

A Dreaming Luton Fan: It was always going to happen but we keep going every single match, grabbing at least one goal. We just do not have the subs that can go on and win matches. But we will watch next Sunday with pride as the Hatters gave it a good go.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And you can watch highlights of Sunday's games on Match of the Day 2 here.

Also, listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham United v Luton Town

• Nottingham Forest v Chelsea