Premier League relegation picture after Luton blow Bournemouth three-goal lead
Luton missed the opportunity to pull themselves out of the bottom three and instead Bournemouth proved without a doubt they will avoid any notion of a relegation battle on Wednesday evening.
After leading by three goals at half-time thanks to efforts from Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene and Ross Barkley, the Hatters could not prevent an inspired comeback from Andoni Iraola's side. Looking down and out, the Cherries earned what should have been an impossible three points as Dominic Solanke, Illia Zabarnyu and Antoine Semenyo provided the goals to produce a 4-3 win.
Bournemouth put themselves 14 points clear of the relegation zone, while Luton require three to go level with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. The three promoted sides currently make up the bottom three and Rob Edwards' team might prove the only one to cause the more established entities any reason to worry.
There remain seven teams who have not yet hit 30 points, with 10 games remaining. Those same teams over the course of their last five fixtures have picked up just three wins between them.
Eight points separate Crystal Palace from the relegation zone, with Everton, Nottingham Forest and Brentford also involved in the battle. Uniquely, survival may not on this occasion be entirely decided by matters on the pitch.
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Everton have already been deducted six points for breaking Premier League profit and sustainability rules and could yet see further punishment after both they and Nottingham Forest admitted they breached regulations. Both clubs are set to have independent commissions rule on their cases, likely by early April and will then be afforded the chance to appeal. A final decision will be required by May 24, five days after the season has ended.
With all of that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the state of play in the relegation battle.
20. Sheffield United
Chris Wilder's Sheffield United are bottom of the Premier League (Getty Images)Manchester United (a), Fulham (h), Liverpool (a), Chelsea (h), Brentford (a), Burnley (h), Newcastle (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Everton (a), Tottenham (h).
The Blades face a difficult run before making the trip to Brentford which could start a crucial run as they face the Bees, Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Everton in a five-game period. With the gap already at 10 points however, perhaps Chris Wilder will be simply hoping not to have been relegated with April halfway done.
19. Burnley - 14 points
Brentford (h), Chelsea (a), Wolves (h), Everton (a), Brighton (h), Sheffield United (a), Manchester United (a), Newcastle United (h), Tottenham (a), Nottingham Forest (h).
Vincent Kompany's side are all but down. The Clarets may have to play four teams who still have relegation concerns but they would need to earn three points in each of those matches and hope Luton, Nottingham Forest and Everton don't pick up a point to reach 17th.
18. Luton Town - 21
Nottingham Forest (h), Tottenham (a), Arsenal (a), Bournemouth (h), Manchester City (a), Brentford (h), Wolves (a), Everton (h), West Ham (a), Fulham (h).
The Hatters have seen opportunties for big results come and go, and will be disappointed to so often have missed out on three points after valiant efforts. They look more equipped to earn results than the teams they arrived from the Championship with however, and a big result against Forest would be a big boost to surpass their rivals ahead of two tricky fixtures in north London.
Despite the reputation of Kenilworth Road, Luton have enjoyed fairly even home and away form. However, that games against Forest, Bournemouth, Brentford and Everton will all come in front of a vociferous crowd could play a big role in the upcoming battle.
17. Nottingham Forest - 24
Luton (a), Crystal Palace (h), Fulham (h), Tottenham (a), Wolves (h), Everton (a), Man City (h), Sheffield United (a), Chelsea (h), Burnley (a).
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With the prospect of punishment bearing over the City Ground, Nuno Espirto Santo's side will feel additional pressure in the upcoming weeks. Forest face five of their relegation rivals and will hope to find some momentum with Luton and Palace up next.
16. Everton - 25
Sean Dyche will hope to lead Everton to safety (Getty Images)Liverpool (h), Bournemouth (a), Newcastle (a), Burnley (h), Chelsea (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Brentford (h), Luton (a), Sheffield United (h), Arsenal (a)
The Toffees will hope things don't go down to a final day contest against title-chasing Arsenal but will be encouraged by home fixtures against Burnley, Forest, Brentford and Sheffield United. Sean Dyche's side would be feeling more comfortable and probably safe if not for their points deduction and will know plenty of more work is required in case of another.
15. Brentford - 26
Burnley (a), Mancehster United (h), Brighton (h), Aston Villa, (a), Sheffield United (h), Luton (a), Everton (a), Fulham (h), Bournemouth (a), Newcastle (h).
Consecutive away trips to Luton and Everton stand out as pivotal for the Bees following a home match against the Blades. A win over Rob Edwards' side would go a long way to helping secure safety but Thomas Frank's side do have the easiest run-in in the division per footylabs.
14. Crystal Palace - 29
Nottingham Forest (a), Bournemouth (a), Man City (h), Liverpool (a), West Ham (h), Fulham (a), Man United (h), Wolves (a), Aston Villa (h), Newcastle (h).
The Eagles may feel they just about have enough points to be determined as safe but that may require points to be picked up in their next two outings. A difficult period awaits following those away clashes and defeats could leave some nerves before taking on the top half of the table.
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