Luke Berry rallies Luton late to deny Nottingham Forest

The conclusion of a game that many had anticipated would be crucial in deciding which of these clubs, if any, will play Championship football the next season was anything but that.

Although a late goal by Luton would have lifted emotions in the town, their situation has not changed much from the start of the match, and some of the top legal brains in the nation are still in charge of their best chance of survival.

This week, Nottingham Forest’s hearing for financial violations is anticipated to conclude, and the Midlands club might be forced into the relegation zone by the decision. Luton is still there, though, for the time being.

Related: Luton 1-1 Nottingham Forest, Burnley 2-1 Brentford, and more: Football, as it transpired

Chris Wood’s early goal appeared to have given Forest a slight lead for a possible point deduction for a while, but Luke Berry’s late goal made sure the scores were level and the spoils were divided.

Large sections of the game suggested that the visitors should have won; it was a dogfight for relegation, and the game had just the right amount of quality (or lack thereof).

Divock Origi was a standout player down the right, and shortly after the half, the Belgian thought he had put Forest ahead when he slotted past Thomas Kaminski. However, Reece Burke came out of nowhere with one of the season’s goalline stops, an honor that is sadly lacking in this age of ostentatious individual accolades.

Not that it mattered; a few minutes later, the guests were ahead. Once more creating space down the right, Morgan Gibbs-White crossed to Wood, who scored with ease from a few yards away.

For much of the match, Ross Barkley was Luton’s only true bright spot despite their tremendous effort, which was evident in his strong effort to prove that Gareth Southgate was mistaken to leave him out of the most recent England team announcement. Barkley, who hasn’t played for his country since October 2019, has been a wayward wanderer. His combination of physicality, trickery, and vision served as a reminder of his former and possibly current talent, as he battled Gibbs-White for the title of greatest player on the field.