Player Ratings: Luton Town 1-1 West Brom

Luton Town came from behind against West Brom, moving out of the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on Friday night.

The Hatters were fairly comfortable in the first half, but were undone just before the break when Josh Maja flicked home to give the visitor’s the lead. In what was a fairly uninspiring encounter, Tahith Chong pounced on a defensive error and fired the Town level midway through the second period. Luton had chances to win it, most notably Daiki Hashioka heading off the post, but had to settle for a point.

It was a marked improvement on the disaster a week earlier away at Coventry, but Rob Edwards’ side still didn’t quite hit top gear at any point in the contest. Bar the moment of quality from Chong for the goal, the Town lacked any real cutting edge or creativity.

Edwards did opt for a change of formation in the second half, abandoning the five at the back system that he has favoured for the majority of his tenure at Kenilworth Road, and utilising a standard 4-4-2 as the Hatters pushed for an equaliser. The Town did certainly look better after the tactical change, and Liam Walsh was particularly impressive off the bench. The draw symbolises where the Hatters are at this moment in time, a team with enough ability and talent to be comfortably above the relegation zone, but without that extra spark needed to aim any higher than mid table.

Player Ratings

Kaminski - 7

Nothing the Town shot stopper could do to prevent Maja from putting the Baggies into the lead. Made the saves he needed to when called upon.

Hashioka - 7

It might be the first time we’ve seen Hashioka in his natural position whilst he’s been at the club, which perfectly sums up the injuries he and the rest of the defence have faced since the Japanese international’s arrival. He looked comfortable on the ball, and solid at the back, and with a run in the team could be an exciting player.

Mengi - 6

Was a bit of a surprise to see the centre back in the starting XI, but he performed well, even if you could tell he wasn’t at 100%. Got through the 90 without another injury which is almost celebrated these days.

McGuinness - 7

Has cemented his place in the middle of the back three, and marshalled Maja well on Friday, barring the striker’s smart finish in the first half.

Bell - 7

Very good to see the Jamaican back out on the pitch after his injury. Brings so much to the Hatters, with the ability to play left centre back and left back, and he covered both positions on Friday evening. Gives the defence a different and more balanced feel.

Moses - 6

Switched over to the left hand side to replace the suspended Doughty, but was taken off at the interval to allow for the tactical changes to take place.

Krauß- 7

Was probably the best Town player before he got taken off on the hour, and the decision was met with sporadic booing as the Hatters faithful let Edwards know what they thought of the change. It worked to an extent but it was still harsh on the German who had been excellent.

Clark - 6

Was solid enough in the first half, but came alive when he was shifted wider in a 4-4-2, although his final product did let him down at times.

Chong - 8

Showed why he’s in the team by hauling the Town back into the game, with a superb run and finish into the bottom corner. Was basically Luton’s only creative outlet in the match, and drove forward with power and precision on a number of occasions. As always with Chong, the final product left something to be desired, but his goal was a reminder of just how good he can be.

Morris - 6
Managed a full 90 minutes, alongside first Adebayo and then Brown. Held the ball up well when it was needed, but was starved of any real chances.

Adebayo - 6

As always, showed excellent work ethic to press tirelessly, but clearly didn’t get the chances he wanted with far too many overhit crosses. Taken off on the hour to allow for Brown to enter the fray.

Subs

Baptiste - 6

Came on at half time to try and give the Hatters a bit more power in midfield. You could tell the summer signing wasn’t quite at his sharpest after his injury layoff.

Walsh - 7

Was very good on the ball when he came on, and looked a class above the rest of the midfield. Perhaps pushing for a starting spot.

Brown - 6

Unable to make any real impact, despite hard work and a couple of nice touches.