Player Ratings: Sheffield United 2-0 Luton Town
On Saturday Rob Edwards’ side fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Sheffield United, after a midweek capitulation at home to Oxford United, aided by a (very) brief and disastrous cameo from Liam Walsh.
Fortunes have been very different for Luton and Sheffield United since relegation from the Premier League, with the Yorkshire side unbeaten and Luton struggling in the bottom half of the table.
Luton travelled to Bramall Lane, hoping for a third win of the season and motivated by last season’s victory against the Blades, in a game that saw two second half own-goals providing victory on Boxing Day.
Sheffield United were comfortably the better side and a brace by Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a player who had been linked with Luton in the summer, was enough to give them the three points, in a game that Luton offered very little and rarely tested Chris Wilder’s side.
Luton looked void of confidence and ideas, with players shoehorned out of position and they will need to regroup over the international break ahead of the derby clash with Watford next time out.
Player Ratings
Kaminski - 6
Was given far too much to do by his defenders and made three or four saves in the first half to keep the game at 1-0. Should have done better for the second goal, with Rak-Sakyi finishing through his legs.
Walters - 5
Arguably his worst performance in a Luton shirt. Played out of position at left-back and struggled to deal with Rak-Sakyi all game, beaten far too easily for the goals and struggled to get into the game in possession.
Burke - 6
Another player playing out of position. Was given a lot to do as the target from goal kicks and worked hard throughout the game.
McGuinness - 4
Looked completely lost for large parts of the game. Physically outmatched by Kieffer Moore and beaten far too easily on multiple occasions. Lack of communication with Walters contributed to the first goal.
Mengi - 5
Struggled to make an impact defensively, however cannot be blamed for the goals we conceded. Had Luton’s best effort of the game in the first half.
Doughty - 6
The hardest working player on the pitch for Luton throughout the game, one of very few who looked like he could make something happen, despite playing out of position. Visibly frustrated towards the end of the game and playing out of position at right wing did not help him influence the game.
Krauß - 5
Little-to-no influence on the game in possession. Lacked the high-energy play that he has shown against Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford.
Nakamba - 5
Similar to Krauß, he failed to have an impact in or out of possession. Failed to win a tackle all game and was second best against to Sheffield United’s midfield.
Clark - 4
No impact whatsoever going forward, largely playing out of position. Disappointing that he failed to push on from his goal against Oxford.
Moses - 5
Ineffective on the left wing and Luton’s lack of possession meant he had little opportunity to try and beat a man. Looked more effective late in the game when moved to the right.
Adebayo - 4
No impact whatsoever, with just 15 touches in the hour he played. Looked lost without another striker in support of him. Completely lacking composure and desperately needs a goal to give him his confidence back.
Subs
Brown - 6
Showed positive signs off the bench, particularly late in the game when he was looking to beat his man. Put a good headed chance over the bar.
Woodrow - 6
Has been heavily criticised on multiple occasions however he was arguably Luton’s best player when he came on. Constantly looked for the ball and was trying to create opportunities for other players.
Taylor - 5
Ran the channels and tried to get in behind but saw very little of the ball against a very solid Sheffield United defence.
Baptiste - 5
Good to see him back on the pitch, however he was unable to have any influence against Sheffield United’s faultless and dominant midfield.
Nelson - N/A
