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Luton Town failed to make it back to back Premier League victories after falling to a late defeat against relegation rivals Burnley on Tuesday evening. The Hatters fell behind in the final minutes of a disappointing first half, when Sander Berge was afforded too much time in the centre of midfield, and his through ball was slotted home by Lyle Foster. Rob Edwards' side thought they had snatched a point when Elijah Adebayo produced a smart finish from close range, but just 65 seconds later, Burnley dealt the hammer blow when substitute Bruun Larsen curled an impressive strike beyond Thomas Kaminski.
It feels like a chance missed for the Town, who were looking to build on Saturday's victory over Everton. Although Burnley were much the better side in the first half, and deservedly found themselves in front at the break, the second period was a different story. Wave after wave of Luton attack was somehow thwarted by a resilient Burnley defence, Jacob Brown having a header cleared off the line as well as Carlton Morris missing a big chance from a corner. The Hatters probably should've had a penalty as well, when Morris was brought down in the area, but the referee waved away appeals from Luton fans and players alike. When Luton finally did get their equaliser, they seemed to get caught up in the emotion of it all, allowing Bruun Larsen far too much space on the edge of the box to deliver the knockout punch.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 6
Made a smart stop early on as he tipped Amdouni's header over the bar, but will be slightly disappointed he was unable to thwart Lyle Foster as the striker ran through on goal. Had little chance with Burnley's second in what was another solid performance from the shot stopper.
Issa Kabore - 5.5
After a electric start to life in a Luton shirt, Kabore has seemed slightly shaky in recent weeks. Struggled on the ball, making some nervous passes and rash decisions at times. His raw pace is enough to get him out of trouble on the whole, but he will be hoping to recover his form from the first few games.
Teden Mengi - 6..5
It was a Premier League debut for the youngster, and he coped well for the most part, sweeping up behind Lockyer when the Welshman went to press high. Mengi is physically strong when the ball is on the floor and in the air, but his passing left a bit to be desired on occasions.
Tom Lockyer - 6.5
For the second home game running, the skipper was partly at fault for an oppositions goal, unable to redirect Sander Berge's through ball away from the onrushing Foster. Lockyer is clearly an outstanding defender when the ball is in front of him, winning headers and making blocks as usual on Tuesday evening, but he really struggles when facing his own goal. The lack of pace doesn't help but you still expect better from the Welshman.
Amari'i Bell - 6
Another game and yet another injury for a Luton centre back. Rob Edwards said after the game that Bell had felt his hamstring early on, hopefully nothing too serious for the ex Blackburn man.
Alfie Doughty - 6.5
Didn't quite reach the heights of the previous couple of games, but another solid performance from the wing back. His corner deliveries caused problems once again but he did struggle slightly up against the tricky Koleosho. Has certainly made that left wing back position his own.
Marvellous Nakamba - 6.5
Probably Nakamba's least effective performance of the season, which says a lot because the midfielder still put in a solid shift in the centre of the park. His passing was slightly wayward at times, and when the Town initiated their high press, he was left isolated against Burnley's midfield three.
Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu - 5.5
Tried to bring energy and high pressing into the Luton midfield, and it worked at times as the Hatters pinned their opponents back. However, when the press was beaten it became very dangerous very quickly for the Town, as evidenced by Burnley's opener. Barkley may be reintroduced on Saturday if fit enough to provide slightly more creativity.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 7
Every single attack seems to go through this man, who once again was exciting and energetic for the full 90 minutes. The Irishman was out on his feet by the end, unsurprisingly so after 180 minutes in 4 days. He wasn't as effective as Saturday but he seems to be one of the only sources of creativity in this Luton side at the moment.
Jacob Brown - 6
So unlucky to not have his first Premier League goal, his back post header cleared superbly off the line by Josh Cullen in the second half. Facing up against the highly experienced Charlie Taylor was always going to be a challenge, and so it proved as the ex Stoke man was barely given a sniff.
Carlton Morris - 7
Superb performance from the Town's frontman, causing constant issues for the Burnley centre backs. Morris pressed effectively, held the ball up well and linked play throughout. The only thing that was missing was a goal, and he probably should've had one, directing a free header just past the post. Unlucky not to win a penalty in the second half as well.
Elijah Adebayo - 7
The first thing Adebayo did when he came on was charge down a James Trafford kick, much to the delight of Kenilworth Road. His energy and enthusiasm paid off in the 84th minute, producing an instinctive finish with his back to goal.
Reece Burke - 6.5
Burke came on early for the injured Bell and was his usual reliable self in the back 3. Will be kicking himself for not getting closer to Larsen as the Burnley man curled home from distance.
Tahith Chong - 6.5
Certainly looks more threatening out wide, providing a quality cross which led to the equaliser.