LUTON, England: Luton got a valuable point in its fight to avoid relegation after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with visiting Everton in the English Premier League on Friday.
Luton remained third to last, below 17th-placed Nottingham Forest only on goal difference. Luton has two games left. Everton has already guaranteed its survival.
Everton took the initiative when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored from the penalty spot after 24 minutes.
A video review ruled Teden Mengi held Jarrad Branthwaite, and Calvert-Lewin notched his fourth goal in his last five appearances.
Luton bounced back quickly thanks to Elijan Adebayo. The striker scored five in five games before he was injured in February, and almost three months out did not seem to have affected his eye for goal. In his first start since returning, Adebayo collected his 10th goal of the season.
Luton substitute Andros Townsend saw his shot blocked on the line in the dying seconds.
Luton gains valuable point from home draw with Everton
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Luton gains valuable point from home draw with Everton
- Luton remained third to last
Paqueta moves to Flamengo after West Ham agree fee
- British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of $49m
- “Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move,” the Brazilian side said
LONDON: West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta will return to his boyhood club Flamengo, both clubs confirmed on Wednesday.
Financial details were not disclosed but British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of 41 million euros ($49 million) for the 28-year-old Brazil international.
Flamengo, last season’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Campeonato Carioca champions, confirmed the signing on social media.
“Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move. A milestone in the global football market, on a scale worthy of Flamengo,” the Brazilian side said in an Instagram video post.
“I am very happy to be back home. I would like to thank President Bap (Luiz Eduardo Baptista), Flamengo, our sponsors and, of course, the entire nation that made this possible,” Paqueta said in the video.
Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing charges by the English Football Association in July following a lengthy investigation. Paqueta, who was facing the risk of a lifetime ban, denied the charges.
“Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved — a situation that caused him significant mental strain,” West Ham said in a statement.
“Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave. Therefore, the head coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.”
Paqueta joined West Ham from French side Olympique Lyonnais in 2022, having previously played for AC Milan. His contract with the Premier League club was due to run until 2027.
He made 139 appearances for West Ham, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists. He was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Conference League in the 2022-23 season.
“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two and a half years,” the East London side added.
West Ham sit 18th in the league table with 20 points from 23 matches, five points adrift of the safety zone.
