Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Molineux Stadium
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
Let off for Luton! A sliding Clark has to clear in the six-yard box! Hwang is played in down the centre right channel, and beats Osho for physicality. The latter slips and Hwang is able to put in a low cross. Clark is the hero and denies Toti arriving for a surefire goal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
Doughty fouls Doherty with a leg left in the Irishman's path. It's been a scrappy beginning to the second period here.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
Such is the fine margin here, it's interesting to look again at the stats. While Hwang is a threat, and a goalscorer of course, he completed just two passes in the first half.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
Wolves have a record of W7, D0, L2 when leading at half-time in the English Premier League this season. To make this perhaps more emphatic, Luton have failed to score a first-half goal in 24 of their 35 games, only Sheffield United (25) have failed to score more often in the English Premier League this season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
KICK OFF: Wolves restart the game here at Molineux.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
While that analysis could read as Luton-backing, it must be said Wolves deserve this lead no matter how close the game's been. They just edge the xG stats, with an xG of 0.29 compared to Luton's 0.25. Wolves have enjoyed more of the ball, seeing 60 per cent to the Hatters' 40. Furthermore, Edwards' side need to subdue their hosts further if they're to get anything from this one. 36 per cent of the action has been in Luton's third. Just 16 per cent has been in Wolves', while a midfield battle is very present with 48 per cent.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
So, we go into the break here at Molineux with the hosts out in front thanks to Hwang's first goal since December and his 11th goal of the term. In terms of the flow of the game, it's been relatively even. Luton only really have themselves to blame, as they've had nearly as many shots (five) as Wolves (seven). The difference has been perhaps that fine Premier League margin, and it's been made clear with the engaging battle between Mengi and the goal scorer Hwang. While the Korean has enjoyed many runs in behind, Mengi has matched him with interceptions and physical presence. That said, the standout goal was a testament to the mercurial forward's talents, as he cut back in from the left before rolling past Kaminski. Adding this to Luton's number of half-chances, notably Morris' header straight at Sa just before the opener, Wolves' lead will be a tough pill to swallow going into the changing rooms.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
HALF TIME: WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS 1-0 LUTON TOWN
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
The fourth official has signalled two additional minutes here at the end of the first half.
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