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It was an emotional afternoon at Kenilworth Road, as Luton beat Newcastle to secure their third Premier League win of the season just seven days after Tom Lockyer suffered a Cardiac Arrest. It was a performance that perfectly encapsulated the Luton skipper, full of hard work, commitment and body-on-the-line defending. The Hatters were superb in the first half, and were rewarded for their efforts when Andros Townsend headed in at the back post, after a Ross Barkley flick on. Rob Edwards' side should have been two up at the break, Barkley crashing a 30 yard strike off the underside of the bar, before minutes later travelling two thirds of the pitch with the ball and feeding Adebayo, who was unable to convert.
The second half saw a valiant protection of the Hatters' one goal cushion, defending which their absent captain would've been proud of. Multiple last ditch blocks from the likes of Mengi and Osho, combined with some relentless pressing from the front players meant that the Town were able to keep their first clean sheet of the season. The win was a fitting tribute to Tom Lockyer, who's shirt was paraded round at full time, to the soundtrack of his chant.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 8
It has been a long time coming, but the Hatters' shot stopper finally got the clean sheet he deserved. He has been superb for Luton this season, and Saturday's game was probably the least he has had to do in a while. Still, the Belgian made an excellent stop from Wilson in the first half, and was commanding throughout.
Issa Kabore - 7
Taken off after 45 minutes due to injury, but was very solid in the first period, up against the trick Anthony Gordon. The loanee made a particularly memorable tackle on the winger, tracking back 60 yards before sliding in and starting another Luton attack.
Teden Mengi - 8.5
It is almost a robbery that Luton Town managed to pick up Mengi for such a miniscule fee. The youngster has taken to regular Premier League football like a duck to water, and once again was magnificent on Saturday. He's so strong and commanding, particularly in the air, and did well to keep Wilson and Isak quiet.
Gabe Osho - 9
Perhaps the Luton player who's made the biggest step from last season to this. He looks a fully fledged Premier League centre back, supremely confident on the ball and powerful in 1v1 battles. The defender doesn't get dribbled past at all, and made some Tom Lockyer-like blocks in the second half to maintain the clean sheet.
Amari'i Bell - 8.5
Handed the captain's armband in Lockyer's absence, and it was a skipper's performance from the Jamaican international. After a difficult few weeks, where a couple of mistakes have led to goals, he was back to his best against the Toon. Seemed to be constantly making tackles and interceptions, halting Newcastle attacks.
Alfie Doughty - 9
Play him on the left, play him on the right, it's irrelevant. Doughty is such a threat going forward, another goal coming from one of his set pieces. In the first half especially, he made so many overlapping runs, causing huge problems for Trippier. When he switched to the right, he was just as effective. So important to the way the Hatters attack.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 9
Wow. I'm not sure many where expecting that from Lokonga. He has looked solid since he arrived on loan, hampered by injury a little, but the Hatters' fans really saw the best of the midfielder on Saturday. He was linking up beautifully with Barkley, driving at the Newcastle defence, all while remaining compact on the defensive side. Now a big question over whether Nakamba can get back in the team after suspension.
Ross Barkley - 8.5
A real joy to watch play football. If his 30 yard effort was just inches lower, it would've blown the roof of Kenilworth Road. As always, calm and composed on the ball, constantly making things happen. He stands out especially when Luton have their backs against the wall, where most player hack the ball clear, Barkley drives forward out of trouble, maintaining possession.
Andros Townsend - 8
Best performance in a Luton shirt, and that was not only down to his goal. Pressed magnificently, with so much aggression, and seemed to come inside and get on the ball more against his former side. Has definitely done enough for a contract extension in January.
Elijah Adebayo - 8
Many might have thought Adebayo was resigned to a season on the bench, but the striker has come back into the side and provided something completely different to Morris. He runs the channels well, holds the ball up and is a real goal threat. So nearly got another goal contribution, after expertly flicking the ball over a Newcastle defender, and feeding in Brown who struck the bar.
Jacob Brown - 8
The former Stoke man is one of the most hardworking players I've ever seen, absolutely vital for Rob Edwards in the press, and has the ability to make things happen on the ball. Struck the woodwork for what must be his fifth time this campaign. A little more luck and the winger could've been on 5 or 6 goals by now.
Ryan Giles - 7.5
45 minutes for the full back, and probably his best display in a Luton shirt. He was incredibly solid defensively, and whilst he couldn't quite make the impact going forward, helped the Hatters to a clean sheet
Mads Andersen - 8
Brought on for the injured Bell as Luton looked to see out the game, and was superb. Marshalled Wilson expertly, and dealt with everything thrown at him, making some crucial blocks.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Carlton Morris, Chiedozie Ogbene- 6.5
All three came on and played their part as Luton saw out the game.