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  • Writer's pictureSamuel Roy

Player ratings: Luton Town 2-1 Crystal Palace



It has been coming, Luton Town have their first win at home, and what a deserved and hard-fought win it was. The Hatters played well in the first half, with Crystal Palace one of the few teams who haven't come to Kenilworth Road and had constant possession. Luton began to control the game, but despite the pressure Rob Edwards' side failed to create many chances.




Then came the second half, where Palace threatened early on with a goal which was ruled out for a clear handball by Edouard (VAR does have it's merits after all). This seemed to spur Luton on, and soon after the Hatters scored yet another goal from a set piece, with a superb touch and finish from Teden Mengi. Unfortunately, much like the Burnley game, Palace equalised straight from kick-off with what was admittedly a ridiculous goal from Michael Olise. But the Hatters battled on, and it was Jacob Brown who had the determination and positioning to get on the end of a sensational Chiedozie Ogbene pass to find the winner.

If Ogbene can add playmaking to his skillset, just how good can the Irishman be?


The ref added a whopping 12 minutes added time to ensure Palace had sufficient time equalise, and despite Lerma hitting the post in a heart-in mouth moment for Hatters fans, Luton held on to secure their first home Premier League win.





Player Ratings


Thomas Kaminski - 9


Wow. The Belgian is fast becoming a fan favourite, and with Courtois out injured, he really should be starting for Belgium. The double save in the first half from Olise was an example of incredible reactions, and the reflexes to save the Andersen shot late in the second half was just world class. The Hatters have an amazing keeper on their hands here.


Alfie Doughty - 7


Doughty wasn't as effective as usual in this game, but the fact he still got a 7 rating while playing on his weaker side is a testament to his quality and reliability. He was a dangerous attacking threat in the first half, and often got behind the Palace defence. Still much better on the left though, him having to cut inside unsurprisingly makes him predictable. Alfie can only do so much.


Teden Mengi - 9


What a Rolls Royce of a centre-back, and his goal wasn't easy as well. The touch and finish from Mengi was exceptional and he won almost all of his aerial battles as well. Teden is getting better every single game, what a signing he is looking like so far. To think that United chose Jonny Evans over keeping him...



Tom Lockyer - 8


A very solid performance from the captain, largely keeping Edouard quiet apart from when he had to use his hand to score.


Gabe Osho - 8


Osho's ability on the ball is so useful at this level. For a centre-back, he is so hard to dispossess, and he contributes so much going forwards with his dribbling and passing. Another good performance, similar to Mengi, they have both solidified their place in the side.


Amari'i Bell - 6


A good performance considering this was Bell's first game back from injury, but he did lose Olise for the goal and didn't do too much going forwards, so his rating must come down. Perhaps a 6 is a bit harsh but it is definitely good to see the reliable Luton hero back fit again.


Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu - 7


Pelly came off relatively early but I thought he put in a very good shift in the 60 minutes he played. He was calm and composed on the ball, and made a few solid interceptions. Definitely good enough to fill in for Nakamba when he is unavailable.



Ross Barkley - 8


Barkley is really getting into form for the Hatters, his passing and dribbling is simply outstanding, it's something we haven't seen a Luton player be able to do for a long time, his pass to Doughty in the first half a good example. He also wins so many fouls. Barkley is fast becoming a very important player for Luton, especially in their buildup phases and playing out from the back.


Andros Townsend - 6


Against his old club, Andros didn't really offer much, but he worked hard and put a good shift in, putting a few decent crosses in. Still, could we see Chong or Brown take his place?


Carlton Morris - 7


Another relatively quiet game for Carlton, but once again he was great in the air, winning many headers and holding the ball up well. Got a vital assist for the goal.


Chiedozie Ogbene - 8


What. A. Pass. The assist to Jacob Brown was incredible from Chieo, those passes are something we haven't seen him attempt often but it was a beautiful cross to set up the winner. He also skipped past Ward so many times that I lost count. Another great piece of business from Luton to land this gifted player on a free transfer.



Subs:


Jordan Clark: 6


Clicker is obviously adjusting to Premier League football, he lost possession a few too many times but it's great to have him back in his first Premier League home appearance. Did well enough replacing Pelly.


Tahith Chong - 6


Couldn't make much of an impact, lost the ball on a few occasions too. A good pass to Elijah near the end.


Elijah Adebayo - 6


Didn't have the time to impact the game too much, worked hard defensively to be fair. Unlucky not to score at the end.


Jacob Brown - 8


A superb piece of movement to score the winner from Jacob, this is something we have been missing over the last few games. His positioning, work-rate and pace are a real asset, this goal means he may be able to find a way back into the team.





By Samuel Roy






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