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Luton Town fell to their eighth defeat of the season in the Premier League, as Aston Villa impressively dispatched the Hatters at Villa Park. Unai Emery's side led at the half time break, thanks to a well worked free kick that was slotted home by John McGinn. Just three minutes into the second half, Moussa Diaby lashed a volley past Kaminski, before all three points were sealed when Lockyer bundled into his own net. Rob Edwards' side found a consolation late on in the form of a comedy own goal, Konsa heading onto his own crossbar before the ball cannoned off the back of Emi Martinez and into his own net.
Games like this will certainly not be the ones that decide Luton's season, but the ease at which Villa dispatched the Hatters was ugly viewing for the travelling fans. 3-1 probably flattered the Town, although they did show some fight towards the end of the 90 minutes. With a difficult fixture run over the next two months, the Hatters may start to regret some of the missed chances over recent weeks, and will hope to stay in touch with the group of teams above them in the table.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 7.5
Superb performance from the Belgian, who has really started to come into his own in the last few games. A world class save from Watkins early on, along with many other notable contributions kept the score down. Definitely could have been a more embarrassing scoreline if not for the ex Blackburn shot stopper.
Issa Kabore - 6.5
Solid enough from the right back, who has come back into the team due to the injury crisis in defence. Looks shaky and nervous on the ball at times, especially when under pressure, but when given the space to drive he looks much better.
Gabe Osho - 6
Great to see Osho make his first start since last season, coming back from injury. The defender was strong when he needed to be, but perhaps will be disappointed to let McGinn's opener sneak past him. 60 minutes in the tank for the centre half however, and he will hopefully improve with game time.
Tom Lockyer - 5.5
Tough afternoon for the Welshman, compounded by bundling the ball into his own net after good work from Diaby. The defender had actually dealt pretty well with the threat of Watkins, allowing him very little, but it was Villa's other creative forces that pulled the Town apart on Sunday.
Teden Mengi - 5.5
Always going to be a difficult task up against the scintillating Diaby. The Villa attacker gave Mengi problems all game, and caught the centre back napping to set up the third goal. Mengi didn't disgrace himself by any means but it doesn't get any easier for the new signing, up against a certain Mo Salah next weekend.
Alfie Doughty - 5.5
Unable to really show any of his attacking ability, as Luton were suffocated by a well drilled Aston Villa. Has seemingly been taken off set piece duties for the more experienced pair of Townsend and Barkley, a move that didn't quite pay off for Rob Edwards yesterday.
Marvellous Nakamba - 6
Back at his old club, Nakamba was always going to have a long afternoon up against a Villa midfield full of quality. Struggled to get close to any player in a claret shirt, but did receive a nice standing ovation as he was subbed off.
Ross Barkley - 6.5
It is quite clear that if Luton Town want to survive in the Premier League then getting the best out of Ross Barkley has to be the top priority. The England International showed glimpses of quality on Sunday, and has definitely stepped it up a level since returning from injury. Hatters fans will hope there's still more to come.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 6
Quieter afternoon for the winger, seeing less of the ball as Villa passed the Hatters to death. When he did get it there were a couple of nice moments, skipping past Matty Cash on a few occasions, but the end product was lacking.
Jacob Brown - 5
Another disappointing display from the winger, who was unable to make any real impact on the game. With the likes of Townsend and Chong on the bench, Brown will be lucky to retain his starting place much longer if things don't improve.
Carlton Morris - 5
Completely isolated throughout, very few touches of the ball and overall an extremely frustrating afternoon for the striker. Up against the stronger teams, Morris has struggled this season and looks to be lacking confidence. Definitely needs improved service but must also protect the ball better.
Andros Townsend and Tahith Chong - 6.5
Half an hour each for Chong and Townsend, who injected some pace and excitement into the Town's attack. Not everything came off, but the wingers certainly made an impact and are pushing for a place in the starting XI.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Elijah Adebayo - 6.5
Both Eli and Pelly seem to be at their best coming off the bench, providing fresh legs and something different to those that start. Adebayo pressured Konsa into a mistake for Luton's only goal of the game.
Ryan Giles - 6
Ten minutes at the end for the fullback. Had very little time to make an impact on the game.