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Luton Town fell to another away defeat on Saturday afternoon, as Brentford proved too strong for the Hatters in West London. Thomas Frank's side dominated the first half, but thanks to some resilient defending from the Town, were unable to break the deadlock. However, Luton captain Tom Lockyer went down injured just as the referee blew the halftime whistle, and did not re-emerge for the second period. Without their skipper, the Town struggled massively, conceding two soft goals after the break. Jacob Brown pulled one back for Rob Edwards' side, but Shandon Baptiste put the game beyond the Hatters just ten minutes from time.
It was probably Luton's most disappointing performance of the season. Their first touch in the opposition box didn't come until the 60th minute, when the Town were already 2-0 down. Of course Brentford are an accomplished Premier League team, but they were shown far too much respect by a lacklustre Luton side, who struggled to keep hold of the ball when they won it back. Most definitely a day to forget for Rob Edwards and his side.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 6
The Belgian has bailed the Hatters out on a number of occasions over the last couple of months, but was unable to do anything about the goals in this game. By no means a bad performance from Kaminski but he will disappointed to have conceded three.
Issa Kabore - 6
Constantly shuffled from right to left as the Town had to contend with yet more defensive injuries. Did what he could, but seemed panicked and wasteful on the ball. Almost no opportunity to attack.
Teden Mengi - 6.5
Calm and composed as Town fans have come to expect. Made a superb challenge on Wissa in the second half as the attacker went through on goal, but injured himself in the process. Hopefully the defender will be fit for the upcoming games as he has become a crucial part of the Luton defence.
Tom Lockyer - 7
Was immense in the first half, facing up against a constant wave of Brentford attacks. Stepped up brilliantly when needed and headed away anything that came into the box. The Town severely missed their captain when he came off injured, and will be hoping that it is nothing too serious.
Gabe Osho - 6.5
Despite conceding three, the centre back trio didn't disgrace themselves, and Osho was solid enough throughout. Stepped out well with the ball on a couple of occasions and dealt with Mbuemo, at least in the first half.
Amari'i Bell - 5.5
Bell looked solid in the first half, it was always going to be a difficult task up against Mbuemo but he dealt with the challenge. However, he did struggle slightly when moved into the centre back position after injuries.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu - 5
Poor display from the midfielder, Town fans know he is more than capable of producing a much better performance than that. Lost the ball on too many occasions, like a lot of his attacking teammates who failed to retain possession.
Ross Barkley - 7
Looked to be the only source of creativity and calm for the Town, claiming the assist for the goal and controlling everything about the Luton attack. Barkley is the only one who doesn't look petrified in possession, his wealth of Premier League experience evident in every game.
Tahith Chong - 6
First start in a while for the winger, but failed to make a real impact on the game. Had a header ruled out for offside that may have sparked a late Luton comeback.
Carlton Morris - 5.5
Another game of few chances for Morris, who didn't hold the ball up well enough and bring other people into play. Without a doubt it is difficult to play the lone role up front, but surely it is time for Adebayo now after Morris' poor run of form.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 5.5
Probably the Irishman's worst performance since joining the club, nothing really came off for him. Onyeka and Ghoddos pretty easily dealt with the threat of Ogbene's pace, although the winger can probably be afforded one bad game this season after the impact he has had.
Jacob Brown - 7
Two in two for the former Stoke man, and it was a smart finish as well from Brown to get Luton back into the game. Showed his versatility at right wing back, but struggled defensively.
Elijah Adebayo - 6.5
As soon as Eli entered the fray, the Town immediately went more direct, which brought a certain level of success. Will be knocking on the managers door for a place in the starting XI in the current circumstances.
Jordan Clark, Ryan Giles and Andros Townsend- 6
Although he did eventually make his way onto the pitch, Ryan Giles seems to be very much a last resort substitution for Rob Edawards', rather than one he wants to make. Something has surely happened behind the scenes for the full back to have fallen so far out of favour.