Late drama as Brown snatches win for Luton at home to Palace
The trip to Kenilworth Road saw Roy Hodgson face a 56th different team as a PL manager, equalling the record of former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
While Hodgson was looking to mark that particular milestone with a win, he would have been underwhelmed with the uneventful start to proceedings.
However, the Palace manager had reason to be encouraged when his side forced Thomas Kaminski into action in the 22nd minute.
The Luton goalkeeper parried Eberechi Eze’s deflected effort, before reacting quickly to thwart Jeffrey Schlupp from the subsequent rebound.
Kaminski’s sublime double save proved to be the main talking point of a cagey first period, where Luton struggled to create any meaningful chances, highlighting the very reason why they are yet to score a first-half goal in a PL home game this season.
Palace’s hopes of leaving with all three points received a setback in the opening stages of the second period when Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucouré were both forced off through injury.
After taking their time to readjust following two enforced substitutions, Palace thought they had the breakthrough in the 67th minute as Odsonne Édouard slotted home at the second time of asking.
While the goal was subsequently ruled out for a handball infringement, it proved to be the catalyst for a thrilling final quarter.
Just moments later, the hosts edged in front when an out-swinging corner broke to Teden Mengi, who guided the ball into the bottom corner to register his first goal in senior football.
After seeing his team fall behind, Michael Olise produced an immediate response, driving down the right before cutting inside and curling an unstoppable strike past Kaminski.
Undeterred by the Palace leveller, Luton restored their advantage in the 84th minute when Brown poked home from Chiedozie Ogbene’s teasing delivery.
Despite seeing Jefferson Lerma hit the woodwork, the Hatters managed to see out the remainder of the contest to move four points clear of the bottom three, while Palace remain in 13th position after losing four of their last five PL games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Chiedozie Ogbene (Luton Town)
