Player Ratings - Luton 1-4 Burnley

Baptiste battling Brownhill for the ball

It was a disastrous start to the season for the Hatters as they began their Championship campaign against fellow promotion hopefuls Burnley. Rob Edwards’s side was filled with players making their debut for the club, youth players and new transfers alike, however this gamble did not pay off and Luton were comfortably dismantled by an impressive Burnley team. Burnley were 2-0 up at half time, and despite a small comeback from Luton in the second half with Chong scoring their first goal of the season, Burnley regained control of the game and scored twice more, and the scoreline could have been even worse were it not for some good saves from Kaminski.

Questions have to be asked both of the tactical setup, and the lack of recruitment for our first game of the season. Tactically, Luton employed the same high pressing 3-4-3 which they used last season, however, much like last season, the defence was consistently caught out by balls over the top, and there was also far too much space for Burnley in transitions to run at the defence, the Luton midfield was inadequate at covering space. The approach was too aggressive, and didn’t give Burnley the respect that their lethal attack deserves.

The lack of recruitment is also a worry. Luton have lost Barkley, Giles, Kabore, Lokonga, Fred, Berry, Potts, McAtee from the overall squad and only two players have been brought in (three if you count Tom Holmes who joined up with the team this summer.) More incomings are needed if Luton want to compete with the competition in this league. Even if Johnson and Nelson are exciting young talents, they shouldn’t have to be called upon to make their debut against one of the best sides in the division. It is concerning that only one midfielder has been brought in after the club lost Berry, Barkley and Lokonga.

Due to the severity of the defeat, the ratings have to reflect the result, hopefully in future games these numbers will be higher. Luton’s fixtures are a bit easier for the next few weeks, and Rob Edwards will be hoping he can put some points on the board to kickstart Luton’s season.

Adebayo and Morris looking frustrated

player ratings

Kaminski - 5

The scoreline would have been worse had it not been for two crucial saves he made in the second half. Did concede four goals and arguably could have done better for the first, but the goalkeeper is far from Luton’s biggest worry right now, and we are lucky to have him.

Ogbene - 4

Did not look anywhere near as dynamic and unpredictable as his usual self, and struggled to get past the Burnley defence, except for one good dribble in the first half.

Walters - 5

Looked quite tidy on the ball, occasionally struggled with the physicality of the game, but did well playing out from the back. Not sure where he was for their first goal. Walters looks an exciting talent, it is surely a bit of a waste playing him at centre back when he could influence the game much more down the flank. Got forward a few times in the second half and looked decent going forwards.

Mengi - 4

Had a tough job trying to organise a defence with an 18 year old and a 19 year old both making their professional debuts. Quite a thankless job though, and that defence should never have started together.

Johnson - 3

A tough game for Joe, who looked composed enough on the ball, but was frequently caught out with balls over the top, one of which lead to their second goal. Was too eager to press, which might also be a tactical issue.

Doughty - 5

Some very poor set piece deliveries from Doughty, even then he was involved in a lot of Luton’s attacks as he usually is, and got the assist for Chong’s goal. Caught in no man’s land for their fourth goal, but the game was already over by then.

Baptiste - 6

A tidy debut performance from the former Brentford midfielder, who was comfortable distributing the ball around and made a lovely cross which led to the Hatters goal. Baptiste looks promising so far, in this game and pre-season, let’s hope he can stay fit. Made some nice tackles, however it is clear his best position is not as the more defensive midfielder, and someone needs to be brought in over the next few weeks to complement him. Luton can’t solely rely on Nakamba for that job as he is returning from a long injury layoff and he won’t always be available every game.

Nelson - 4

Has a nice passing technique and made some good turns and dribbles, but struggled with his positioning a lot, which is to be expected for a 19 year old making their debut. Very promising signs though, much like Baptiste he should be played alongside a tough tackling midfielder who can defend space.

Chong - 4

Despite his goal, did not influence the game enough, and squandered quite a few good opportunities for Luton. Will undoubtedly be a key player for the Hatters this season, just needs to develop more consistency and better decision making in his game.

Adebayo - 3

Was very quiet and couldn’t impact the game as he usually does. Had a few half chances but couldn’t take advantage of them

Morris - 4

Worked hard like usual and held the ball up well a few times, but much like Elijah, had little impact on the game.

By Sam Roy