Player Ratings: Luton Town 3-0 Watford
Luton Town strolled to a 3-0 victory against arch rivals Watford on Saturday at an electric Kenilworth Road, with goals from Jordan Clark, Carlton Morris and Jacob Brown easing the pressure on Rob Edwards.
It was by far and away the best performance the Hatters have produced this season, and what a time to do it. From the first minute, the Town were aggressive, physical and direct, as Tom Cleverly’s side shrank into the Kenilworth Road turf. The crowd and players fed off each other in the sort of manner we’ve seen so rarely in the past six months, with the Kenny at it’s hostile best to give the side from down the M1 a proper welcome.
Luton were ahead after just 11 minutes, when Clark deflected Tom Holmes’ ferocious shot past Daniel Bachmann in the Watford goal. The early lead was exactly what the Hatters needed, and Rob Edwards’ side never looked back. In a dominant first half display, the Town would’ve been disappointed to go into the half time break level, after spurning a couple of great opportunities.
However, the lead was doubled just two minutes into the second half, the Watford defence leaving Morris all alone at the back post to crash a header home. The Town suffered a minor injury crisis in the second half, but the makeshift defence had little to worry about throughout, and Brown sent the Kenny into party mode when he smashed home the third.
Player Ratings
Kaminski - 8
Made one superb stop in the second half, diving down to his left to tip a Tom Dele-Bashiru shot round the post, but was relatively untroubled apart from that. The fact he wasn’t relied on to bail the Hatters out as much as recent games, shows the quality of the Town performance.
Moses - 8
Although he’s only been at the club for a month, Moses clearly understands what it’s all about. He looked well up for it and was snapping into challenges, as well as pressing with real venom. Very assured and professional performance.
Burke - 8
As solid as you like from the centre back, as the Town defence dominated the lacklustre Watford attack. Did sustain yet another injury however, which Rob Edwards will hope is not too serious.
McGuinness - 9
After a difficult few weeks for the summer signing, he finally lived up to his price tag on Saturday, putting in a dominating performance. The highlight was the stunning goal saving tackle he produced in the first half, sliding in to whip the ball away from Vakoun Bayo, as the striker looked certain to score.
Holmes - 8
Almost resignated himself to ridicule in the first minute, his mishit backpass lobbing Kaminski and barely sliding past the right hand post. However, after that mishap he was sensational in the first half. Bullied the Watford attackers throughout and showed all the grit and determination that you need to succeed at Luton Town. Taken off at half time as the Town’s injury woes deepen.
Doughty - 9
Absolutely sensational. Alfie has been one of the only players who can hold their head up high during Luton’s poor run of form, and he was at his brilliant best on Saturday. He caused all sorts of issues down the left hand side, created two of the goals from corners, and was arguably even better when shoehorned in at centre back for the second half.
Krauß- 8
Epitomised the Town’s attitude to the derby, bringing an ultra aggressive approach to the midfield, whilst providing control and quality when it was needed. Starting to show his best it seems.
Clark - 8
Started off the afternoon in the best way possible, sending Kenilworth Road into delirium with his early goal. Produced a solid midfield performance, pressing high as the Town suffocated Watford in the first half, before providing control in the second period.
Chong - 7
Back from injury, and played in a slightly different position, just behind Morris and Adebayo. He still managed to impact the game well, combining superbly with Doughty as usual. Probably should have scored in the first half, but his strike from the edge of the area sailed over the bar.
Morris - 9 (Man of the Match)
The captain set the tempo as he returned from injury, bullying the Watford backline and linking up brilliantly with Adebayo. Worked so hard to ensure the away players couldn’t settle at all, and capped the performance with a well deserved goal.
Carlton Morris was our Man of the Match, as voted by you.
Adebayo - 8
Eli did not stop working all game. It was a tireless display from the striker who clearly benefitted from the return of Morris up front. Almost broke his duck right at the end, unable to find the net as he went through on goal, but that will do little to dampen the mood after a derby day win.
Subs
Hashioka - 7
Featured for the first time since pre season, and slotted into the centre of the defence with ease.
Johnson - 6
Came on for the injured Reece Burke and it was an assured performance from the 18 year old.
Nakamba - 8
The perfect player to bring on as the Hatters looked to see out the game. Gave the Town such stability in the middle of the park.
Brown - 8
Came on to help out Johnson on the left hand side, and ended up sealing the win for the Hatters with a clever finish at the end.
Mpanzu - 7
Come in for some criticism this season, but these are the games that Pelly thrives off, and he was superb off the bench on Saturday.