Premier League Points Are Premium as Run-in Begins

Tottenham Hotspur vs Luton Town

A Premier League home banker it should be but Spurs cannot afford to be complacent when Luton Town arrive in North London this Easter weekend.

The Hatters have handed out a few surprises this term and, what’s more, have proved virtually every so-called expert, including this SBOTOP writer, wrong.

At the start of the campaign, they were not just relegation favourites but certs for the drop.

That is no longer the case and, although the smart money would still be placed on their top flight return being a short one, the Premier League betting odds will ensure you a good pay day if you back Rob Edwards’ spirited side to stay up.

Talking Points

Things have changed since their last outing on March 16.

Then, an 89^th minute Luke Berry goal, salvaged a point against Nottingham Forest but still left them three points from safety.

Luton Town will be looking to widen the gap between them and the Premier League relegation zone — Luton Town’s Luke Berry celebrates after scoring their goal during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest

Fast forward a few days and they were out of the zone at the expense of their opponents at Kenilworth Road.

That was because a four point punishment was swiftly imposed on Forest which dropped them into the bottom three, one point and one place behind Luton who are now sitting in 17th spot.

Now things could change as Forest have this week launched an appeal against their deduction for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules – the club admitted surpassing the permitted spending over a three-year period by £34.5 million but believe the punishment is excessive.

Yet, as it stands, Berry’s goal nearly a fortnight ago could prove priceless.

Of course, for all their sterling efforts this campaign, the Hatters would be adrift in the drop zone now but for deductions imposed on both Forest and Everton.

The impressive Edwards does not expect to rely on the misfortune of others and I think I read recently that the league table in his office reflects the standings without deductions placed on Everton (six points following an appeal) and Forest (four points with appeal hearing to come).

That is a sensible approach to have as the Hatters focus on themselves rather than rely on sanctions which could change a few more times between now and the end of the campaign.

After winning just one of their opening 12 games, Edwards has steadied the ship while playing an entertaining and attacking brand of football.

At times, that can cost them dearly but there is so much to like about Luton in what is their first season in the top flight since 1991-92 (the season before the inaugural Premier League).

Staying in the league for a few years will be the real test of how easy it is to compete against that hard, non-negotiable financial hierarchy. As the run-in to the season finale begins though, they have given themselves a fighting chance.

What of Spurs then?

Well, not in Europe this term and with early exits in both domestic cups, they would feel disappointed were they to miss out on Champions League spot given their lack of fixture congestion compared to their nearest rivals in the race for a top four spot.

That means far more convincing performances than they showed in their last outing when they went down to a 3-0 reverse at Fulham.

They start as big favourites against Luton but a similar showing could cause more hurt.

History

This has actually been closer contest than you would think over the years.

While Spurs have a clear edge with 34 victories, Luton have tasted success on 22 occasions with an additional 25 draws.

Their very first meeting came in the qualifying round of the FA Cup in 1894 at the Northumberland Park in London.

The teams shared four goals before Luton ran out 4-0 winners in the replay.

Many of their early meetings came in the cup, as well as the former United, Southern and Western leagues.

Indeed, it wasn’t until 1937 when they met in the Football League, a Division Two clash won 4-2 by Spurs with Leslie Miller, John Morrison (two) and Frederick Sargent their marksmen.

It was 1955 when they first met in the top flight, a match Luton won 2-1.

Until Micky van de Ven scored the only goal of the game at Kenilworth Road in October, they had not met in the top division since a goalless draw at Kenilworth Road in March 1992.

Spurs are chasing a first league double over the Hatters since the 1983/84 season.

That year they won 4-2 at White Hart Lane with Micky Hazard, Steve Perryman, Graham Roberts (penalty) and Mark Falco the scorers – names that will make Spurs fans of a certain vintage all twinkly-eyed.