EFL Championship playoff final result: Luton defeat Coventry on penalties to clinch Premier League promotion

WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON — Luton Town have reached the promised land of the Premier League via the so-called 'richest game in football', defeating Coventry City on penalties in the EFL Championship playoff final. 

The Hatters become the first team in the Premier League era to make it all the way from the fifth tier of English football to the top division, having now clinched three promotions in the last six years. 

It was a clash of miraculous stories of recovery, of clubs that won their only major cup in the late 80s, of sides promoted from League Two in 2017/18. On the field, it was a battle of 3-5-2 formations, albeit with different styles which panned out exactly as expected in the opening half. Coventry sat back and attempted to probe on the counter, while Luton largely camped out in the opposing half. 

With the petite Kenilworth Road drawing all the attention on social media in the buildup to this final, it would be natural to assume Luton’s home comforts are a big factor behind their form. But this is in fact a team that took more points on their travels this term — they are comfortable imposing their game anywhere, and as such were far from overawed by the expanse of Wembley. 

MORE: How much money is the EFL Championship playoff final worth?

The pressure paid off, but only after a worrying start. Tom Lockyer — who moments earlier had a goal ruled out for offside, after he bundled the ball into the net by latching on to a header from a corner — was forced off on a stretcher. He was down for over five minutes after collapsing unchallenged, though was conscious by the time he reached his family in the tunnel. 

Midway through the half, as the pattern of play began to set, Luton turned the screw with Elijah Adebayo and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu at the heart of it, particularly in pressing high. The former looks like a bottom-half Premier League player, and it was his moment of brilliance which created the opener. 

He broke down the left and flicked the ball over the head of Kyle McFazdean, before cutting in and roasting the Coventry defender again. Adebayo kept his composure and found the onrushing Jordan Clark well, with the midfielder taking a great first touch and then finishing with aplomb at the near post. 

Adebayo was the constant out ball for Luton, with both he and partner Carlton Morris spurned chances to make the lead unassailable before the break. Coventry were struggling to produce anything of note, with a single skied opportunity for Gustavo Hamer from a cross. The 10 points which separated these teams in the regular-season table was evident. 

The second half began brighter for Coventry, mostly thanks to Luton goalkeeper Ethan Horvath doing his best to gift them a goal, first through a sloppy pass and then a rush out of his area. Just as the game was threatening to slow to a crawl — by Luton’s design — Coventry equalised through Hamer. 

Viktor Gyokeres — who had touched the ball less than any other Coventry starter in the first half, as he struggled to get into the game — broke down the left as Mark Robins’ side made a trademark break to create a three-on-three. His square found Hamer on the edge of the box, who slotted low to Horvath’s left. The under-fire stopper looked to be beaten a little too easily, though it did take a slight deflection. 

Gyokeres was now in the mood and Coventry as a whole were reenergised, looking the team most likely to net a winner, but ultimately the second half petered out and Luton managed to shut down the last few minutes. 

✅ Luton Town reach the Premier League for the first time despite being in non-league just nine seasons ago.

👏 They equal Wimbledon’s record of going from non-league to England’s top-flight in the quickest time.#LTFC pic.twitter.com/RflSgnIDHT

— Sporting News Football Club (@sn_footballclub) May 27, 2023

Extra-time, as is so often the case, was almost a complete non-event, with the stodgy play punctuated by players down with cramp. The one moment of drama was a huge one, though, with just four minutes remaining. Joe Taylor pounced on an error from substitute Jonathan Panzo at the back for Coventry to give Luton what they thought was a late winner, but VAR then ruled out the goal for a handball.

Penalties it was, with every single spot-kick converted through the mandatory set of five. Most were extremely confident, hitting the corners beautifully. In sudden death, it was a pair of substitutes. Dan Potts made no mistake for Luton, but Fankaty Dabo put his over the bar to leave his teammates in tears and secure promotion for the men in orange. 

The shirt of Lockyer was held up during the trophy lift, while Luton boss Rob Edwards said he wasn't able to celebrate properly as his thoughts were on his defender, who is now recovering in hospital and undergoing overnight checks. 

For Coventry, the wait for a return to the big time goes on. Attention will now turn to the uncertainty around their home ground, currently leased from Mike Ashley as a result of two decades of mismanagement, ownership wars and financial woe. Keeping Robins, who has done superbly well to end a remarkable period of 47 straight seasons without finishing higher than 6th in any division, will be key. 

Some of the most famous players on the planet will be visiting Kenilworth Road next season, meanwhile, completing a fairytale story for the Hatters, who will net up to £200 million even if they only manage one season in the Premier League. Edwards joked he may make a move for Neymar in the summer transfer window, but first there'll be plenty of off-field renovations to eat up some of that windfall. 

Edwards is the man who has guided them there after the departure of Nathan Jones to Southampton in December — even sweeter for Luton fans given he previously managed local rivals Watford. He was keen to stress postgame that Jones deserved plenty of credit. 

Luton were founder members of the Premier League back in 1992, but never got to enjoy the fruits themselves after being relegated in the same campaign. At long last, they get a taste. 

The Sporting News was live from the home of English football, with highlights below. 

Coventry vs Luton result

Coventry vs Luton live updates, highlights from EFL Championship playoff final

PENALTIES: Luton are in the Premier League! The Hatters win the shootout 6-5 and are back in the big time after 31 years! 

*Watch in UK:

LUTON TOWN WILL BE PLAYING IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE NEXT SEASON! ✅🟠 pic.twitter.com/0dIxs4HhLf

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 27, 2023

6th penalties: Potts scores for Luton, but Dabo puts his spot-kick over the bar!

5th penalties: Berry puts it away. With all the pressure on, Kelly does too for Coventry. 5-5. 

4th penalties: Goalscorer Clark makes no mistake. Eccles doesn't either. 4-4 and sudden death! 

3rd penalties: Nakamba converts confidently for Luton, as does Sheaf. 3-3. 

2nd penalties: Taylor narrowly gets it in the bottom left corner. Gyokeres responds for Coventry by smashing it. 2-2. 

1st penalties: Luton won the toss to decide the end the penalties will be taken, and they also take first. Morris scores for them, and Godden also sends the keeper the wrong way. 1-1. 

E.T. FULL-TIME: Roll on the penalty shootout! 

E.T. 30th min: There will be a further two minutes of stoppage time, meaning this match will hit a total of 140 minutes overall. 

E.T. 27th min: NO GOAL! It's ruled out by VAR for a handball by Taylor. Relief for Panzo. 

E.T. 26th min: GOAL! It's a horrendous moment for Coventry defender Jonathan Panzo, on as a substitute, who gifts Luton a possible winner! Joe Taylor pounces on him and finishes well to give Luton a 2-1 lead!

E.T. 16th min: The orange and sky blue flags are waving once more. Here we go... another quarter-hour for somebody to become a hero. 

E.T. HALF-TIME: As is ever the case, the additional period is proving to be a tired affair with very little incident. 

E.T. 15th min: Horvath spent a while down getting treatment, so we have another two minutes of stoppage time. 

E.T. 9th min: Nearly a big moment as Clark goes racing through on goal and appears to be fouled by goalkeeper Wilson, but Michael Oliver whistles it as a dive rather than a penalty, and brandishes a yellow card. 

E.T. KICK-OFF: The players are back out for extra-time. 

FULL-TIME: It ends 1-1 after regulation time, meaning we have an extra half-hour to play. If it's still level then... penalties! 

95th min: It's a game of potshots from distance, as tired legs aim for their Dean Windass moment. The accuracy is not quite there. 

90th min: As with the first half, there are eight minutes of added time. It's becoming very stop-start at this point, but Luton are taking territorial control again. 

84th min: If any team looks likely to score a winner at this point, it is Coventry. They're completely reenergised, while Luton appear sapped in comparison to the first half. 

74th min: After his assist, Gyokeres is now really in the game, this time cutting in and finding Godden, but the substitute can't keep his effort down. The West Midlands club are in the ascendancy. 

66th min: GOAL! Coventry equalise and the west half of Wembley erupts! Hamer finishes well from the edge of the area after a low ball across from the left as their counter-attacking pays off with a three-on-three. His effort takes a slight deflection on the way in to the bottom left of Horvath's net. 

*Watch in UK: 

HAMER PUTS COVENTRY BACK IN IT! 💥 pic.twitter.com/iuKuyvPyoO

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 27, 2023

60th min: The immediate pressure from Coventry has died down, with Luton dragging it to a slower pace once more. The losing side are unable to really craft any moments of quality. 

51st min: Coventry can absolutely smell blood now with Horvath, who has a rush of it to the head as he sprints out but fails to deal with an attack, almost leaving an empty net for Hamer but Osho is first to the ball to save his teammate's blushes. 

48th min: A nervy moment for Luton stopper Horvath, whose lax pass out hits the boot of Hamer, but the Coventry man can't quite divert it into the net. Early optimism in the stands behind the goal the Sky Blues are now shooting towards. 

46th min: The second half is underway with one change at the break, as Godden replaces Allen for Coventry as they try to force the issue. 

HALF-TIME: We go into the break with Luton 1-0 up, and it's no less than the men in orange deserve on the balance of play. 

45th min: Given the stoppage for Lockyer earlier in the half, there's eight minutes of added time. 

43rd min: Coventry's first big chance of the afternoon is put over the bar. A cross from the left evades the goalkeeper and reaches Hamer at the back stick, but he can't keep his effort down. It's woken the travelling Sky Blues up, at least, as the fans again find their voice. 

41st min: Luton again have the ball in the net and celebrations are cut short, this time for a handball. A clearance from Doyle goes straight into the arm of Adebayo and in. The striker is involved in everything right now, as the Hatters turn the screw. 

30th min: Word has emerged that Lockyer is conscious after his earlier, worrying departure. Sky Sports report that he has seen family members in the tunnel. 

29th min: Another big chance goes begging. Adebayo this time has the opportunity to get his own name on the scoresheet after Morris effort is blocked, with several defenders on the ground, but his awkward effort goes wide. 

23rd mind: GOAL! What a move from Luton to take the lead! Adebayo does wonderfully down the left flank, flicking the ball over McFazdean, cutting back, twisting and turning past his man again, and having the composure to pick out Clark. He takes a touch and then leathers it with his left boot for a wonderful near-post finish.

*Watch in UK: 

What a STRIKE Jordan Clark!! ⚡

LUTON TAKE THE LEAD AT WEMBLEY 🟠 pic.twitter.com/0OLhEOegsk

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 27, 2023

22nd min: Chances for Luton. Some solid pressing high up the field forces Coventry into their own third, with Mpanzu winning it back and swinging in a cross from the left, but Morris skies his effort. A couple of minutes later, Mpanzu himself has an opportunity to let fly from the edge of the box, but the effort is tame and easily saved. 

13th min: The Hatters have a real problem here at the opposite end of the field, with the physio signalling Lockyer's race is now run. After an extremely lengthy stoppage, the injured man comes off on a stretcher, replaced by Reece Burke. 

5th min: Luton have the ball in the back of the net but it's ruled out for offside! From a corner, Lockyer bundled the ball in after a save on the line, but was ruled offside from the initial header forward. VAR is in use today. 

KICK-OFF: We're underway! One of these teams is 90 (or 120) minutes away from dreamland. Just before kick-off, Luton players spent a long time stood on the centre-circle in a line, staring out their opponents who were already in position. 

20 mins to KO: Coventry have got their own piece of history to make. Promotion today will see them as the first club to drop down from the Premier League to League Two, and then climb all the way back up again, in the modern era. 

Since their drop from the top-flight in 2000/01, Coventry moved into the then-Ricoh Arena but the switch of stadium turned out to be a financial disaster when coupled with relegation. The Sky Blues eventually lost ownership of the ground, and now lease it on a short-term contract, from none other than new owner Mike Ashley. 

40 mins to KO: If Luton win today, they'll become the first team ever to rise from non-league to the top division in the Premier League era. They were most recently in the fifth tier in 2013/14, with star striker Andre Gray firing them up. 

The Hatters were actually founder members of the Premier League back in 1992, but were relegated in the same year, so never got to see the bright lights for themselves. 

1 hour to KO: Team news is in. Both sides are unchanged from the semi-final second legs, setting up in 3-5-2 formations. 

📋 Lining up for the Sky Blues this afternoon...#PUSB pic.twitter.com/BDgf3uzE4J

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) May 27, 2023

Your play-off final Hatters. 🫡#COVLUT | #COYH pic.twitter.com/PHHmxlsBsQ

— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 27, 2023

1 hour 20 mins to KO: Both of these sides faced North East clubs who would see themselves as Premier League stalwarts in the playoff semi-finals, in Sunderland and Middlesbrough, and both got through by a single goal.

Coventry played out a goalless draw at home against Boro, yet came away from the Riverside Stadium with an impressive 1-0 victory in the second leg thanks to Gustavo Hamer. Luton had to turn around a 2-1 deficit from their first leg away to the Black Cats, before producing a 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road in the return. 

1 hour 40 mins to KO: Welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage from Wembley, as Luton and Coventry end a gruelling 49-game season with a glorious prize on the line. Promotion to the Premier League for just a single season could be worth as much as £200 million to the winner, and will create a lifetime of memories for the fans. 

Those fans have all seen fourth-tier football as recently as the 2017/18 campaign. Luton climbed up automatically that season from the bottom rung of the EFL ladder, while Coventry won the playoff final. The Sky Blues spent two years in League One before rising to their current Championship status, while today's opponents impressively sealed back-to-back promotions. 

Coventry vs Luton lineups, team news

Coventry's nine-match unbeaten run going into the playoff final has been, in part, thanks to Mark Robins' use of the 3-5-2 formation, which he's almost certain to deploy against Luton at Wembley. He does, however, have a few players unavailable.

Callum O'Hare will miss out with a knee injury while Kasey Palmer is sidelined with a muscle injury. Fabio Tavares has been out since January with a leg problem.

Coventry (3-5-2): Wilson (GK) — McNally, McFadzean, Doyle —  Norton-Cuffy, Sheaf, Kelly, Hamer, Bidwell — Allen, Gyokeres

• Injured: O'Hare, Palmer, Tavares
• Suspended: None

Luton look set to match Coventry with a 3-5-2 system of their own. And Rob Edwards also boasts a fully fit squad to choose from, a luxury not on offer to his opposite number Robins.

Luton (3-5-2): Horvath (GK) — Osho, Lockyer, Bell — Drameh, Clark, Nakamba, Mpanzu, Doughty — Morris, Adebayo

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None

How to watch Coventry vs Luton: Championship playoff final live stream, TV channel

The playoff final at Wembley Stadium in London kicks off on Saturday, May 27 at 4:45pm local time.

Coventry vs Luton betting odds

The bookmakers have Luton slight favourites to snatch the third promotion spot to the Premier League, but there's not much in it.