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It was a hugely disappointing Saturday afternoon for Luton Town, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat against rock bottom Sheffield United at Kenilworth Road. The Blades took a 2-0 lead in the first half, Cameron Archer slotting home after outmuscling Gabe Osho, before James McAtee converted a controversial penalty. The Hatters hit back early in the second period, another controversial penalty, this time going the way of Rob Edwards' side, was confidently dispatched by Carlton Morris. The Hatters pushed hard for an equaliser, but were caught cold on the break, Vini Souza with a cool finish from the edge of the area to confirm all three points for the visitors.
It was an incredibly frustrating day for Luton, as so often is the case against sides lower in the table than the Hatters. Despite controlling the game for large periods, there was little attacking spark, and too many mistakes at the other end of the pitch saw the Town concede three goals against the leagues lowest scorers. The result is most definitely a reminder that despite all the positivity in previous weeks, there is little room for complacency in the Premier League.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 5.5
Three goals conceded for the Town's shot stopper, and although blame cannot really be placed on Kaminski for the defeat, it is never good to concede three at home. The Belgian perhaps could've done more to stop the third goal, the ball squirming under his body on the way to the back of the net.
Chiedozie Ogbene - 6
Been in superb form in recent weeks, but his defensive fragility showed on Saturday, and was unable to impact the game as much going forward due to the Blades' low block. Clearly thrives in open, fast-flowing games like the draw at Newcastle a week ago.
Reece Burke - 5
Stepping in for Mengi, Burke didn't have one of his best days in a Luton shirt. Constantly leaving Osho one on one, as well as looking shaky in possession, it was certainly an afternoon to forget for the centre back. Mengi will be confident of a swift return to the starting lineup.
Gabe Osho - 5
After his performances throughout the campaign, you can probably let Osho off for having one bad game. However, he was at fault for the first goal, beaten far too easily by Archer and in the exact same fashion as he was beaten by Gordon for one of Newcastle's goals last week.
Amari'i Bell - 5.5
Struggled against McAtee early on and similarly to the rest of the Town defence, it was not a good day at the office for Bell.
Alfie Doughty - 6
Really unusual display from Doughty. On one hand he looked really dangerous whenever he got on the ball, driving inside and outside, beating players and generally looking like the Town's biggest threat. However, his end product was simply woeful. One chance of note was when Chong slipped him in behind at 2-1, and instead of squaring it to the onrushing Adebayo, Doughty put way too much on his cross and it went over everyone.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - 6
A solid but unimpressive display from the midfielder. Lacked the creativity and incision of recent weeks, as the whole Luton team struggled to break down the United defence.
Ross Barkley - 6.5
As always, Barkley was the source of all the Town's creativity on Saturday, but unlike on other occasions, he was unable to break through the stubborn Sheffield United backline. Barkley is superb in transition, driving with the ball and making things happen, but is slightly less effective when playing against a deep line.
Jordan Clark - 5
Quiet afternoon for the midfielder, tried his best but nothing he did really came off. Chong was much brighter when he came on and perhaps Clark may have lost his place in the team.
Elijah Adebayo - 6
Eli was as lively as always, but like Clark, it just didn't seem to fall for him. Should've had a tap in when Doughty blazed a wild cross over his head instead of laying him on a plate.
Carlton Morris - 6
Scored his second penalty in two games, and was as cool and composed as ever from the spot, but was out of the game for the majority. At times, Morris came very deep to collect the ball, just showing how isolated he was
Tahith Chong - 6
Did make an impact when he came on, including a defence splitting pass, but was unable to find the Hatters an equaliser
Cauley Woodrow, Luke Berry, Andros Townsend - 5.5
All three had little time to make an impact.