Tom Lockyer thanks Bournemouth fans on return before Luton lose from 3-0 up

13 March 2024 , 22:00

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Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer thanked medics and fans upon his return to Bournemouth (Image: Mike Hewitt)

Tom Lockyer paid tribute to the Bournemouth staff who helped save his life back in December before the Cherries bested Luton Town in a seven-goal thriller at the Vitality Stadium.

A previous meeting between the two teams was abandoned back on December 16 after Lockyer, 29, suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. The prompt response from medical staff helped save Lockyer, who has said previously he was "technically dead" for almost three minutes.

He met the medics who helped him on the day in question before the match before taking to the pitch to applaud Bournemouth fans. Lockyer told BBC Radio 5 Live before the game: "I got a little bit emotional. I am quite numb to the whole thing but being back here, I came into the tunnel area and saw the paramedics that saved my life.

"I recognised them straight away. What do you say in that situation other than 'thank you'? They are heroes and they saved my life."

The supporters in attendance, who applauded in the 59th minute which was when Lockyer collapsed in the original fixture, were treated to a treat of a spectacle on the south coast. But it was the Cherries who emerged victorious following a remarkable second-half renaissance.

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Luton Town romped into an early lead courtesy of Tahith Chong before Chiedozie Ogbene doubled their advantage on the half hour mark. Ross Barkley dispatched a stunner on the stroke of half-time to seemingly leave Bournemouth down and out.

But the Cherries rallied to pick themselves up from the canvas in style. Dominic Solanke scored a slick goal swiftly after the restart before Illia Zabarnyi made it 3-2. Antoine Semenyo was the difference-maker, though, plundering two fine goals to complete a remarkable turnaround for Bournemouth, who move onto 35 points for the season.

Join the debate! What did you make of Bournemouth against Luton? Let us know here.

Antoine Semenyo scored twice in the second-half to win the match for Bournemouth (AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)

Unfortunately for Luton, Wednesday night's defeat means they stay stuck in the relegation zone with just 10 games remaining. They host fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in a pivotal six-pointer.

Bournemouth have no fixture this weekend owing to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Andoni Iraola's side return to Premier League action next weekend against Everton.

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Dan Marsh