What a day to be alive. Which considering when, exactly 7 days earlier, several hours were spent unconscious being fitted with an artificial hip, heightened the perspective. Must admit I thought there would be no chance I could make this game.
This was a vital three points for so many reasons. Here are six. Enhances belief. Tough December run. Ends the run of so many nearly moments earlier in the season. A first goal for Brown massively boosts confidence. A clinic finish and masterful defensive display from Mengi will do the same. As will an absolute nugget of a delivery from Ogbene.
Super Robbie replaced the injured Nakamba and Kabore with Pelly and Bell, switching Alfie to the other flank.
First half Palace had chances and Tomas Kaminski was again outstanding, with one particular double save standing out, the second of which demonstrated extreme hip flexor muscles.
Second half VAR justified its existence for a rare occasion when a handball Palace goal not spotted by lino or ref was correctly ruled out.
Our first goal a peach of a corner delivered into the mix zone. Big scramble of players but Carlton showed the desire for a flick on. Ball fell kindly to Teden but he had a lot to do. Incredible calmness to place an arrowed shot in the far corner back across the goal. Bedlam at the Kenny.
No blame attached for the immediate equaliser. It was a simply superb piece of dribbling, control and artistry from Olise.
Lesser teams may have crumbled. Not the mighty Luton Town. Ball won edge of our box. Chong powered forward, slipped it to Barkley on half-way. A flick, a dribble, a shoulder drop, and he passes to Chiedozie running into space. An almost instant ball arcing to perfection, like a 7 iron that turns into a hole-in-one at one of the world’s most difficult golf courses. Keeper and defender couldn’t decide who should deal with it. But who comes steaming in at 100 miles an hour leg outstretched epitomising the desire that runs through this incredible team? Step forward and take a bow pride of Scotland Jacob Brown.
I feel absolutely battered today.
But boy was it worth it.
Town: Kaminski, Mengi, Lockyer, Osho, Bell, Mpanzu, Barkley, Doughty, Townsend, Ogbene, Morris. Subs: Adebayo, Chong, Clark, Brown
Benno