Player Ratings: Norwich City 4-2 Luton Town
Luton Town were beaten 4-2 by Norwich City on Saturday, in another display filled with defensive errors.
It was yet another disappointing result for Rob Edwards’ side, as they shipped four goals to in-form Norwich, with a catalogue of defensive mix-ups to blame. It was far from the worst performance that the Hatters have put in this season, and they found themselves well in the game, at 2-2 with ten minutes left to play. However, the weak backbone of this Luton side was evident once again, as they collapsed to a sixth away defeat on the spin. The result leaves the Hatters just three points above the drop zone, with Rob Edwards under serious pressure to turn things around.
The Town did find themselves ahead after just 20 minutes, when a high press resulted in Elijah Adebayo bearing down on goal, and the striker coolly rounded Angus Gunn to give the Hatters the lead. However, the advantage was short lived for Rob Edwards’ side, with two catastrophic defensive errors seeing the home side back in front. First, the Town failed to clear their lines three times in quick succession, with Ante Crnac capitalising to fire Norwich level. Then just eight minutes later, Tahith Chong inexplicably let former Hatter Jack Stacey keep the ball in on the byline, resulting in Crnac grabbing his second of the match.
Jacob Brown gave the Hatters a lifeline early in the second half, turning in from close range after a corner, and for a long period of the second half, Luton found themselves in the ascendency. However, a third defensive error of the afternoon gave Norwich the lead once again, as Mark McGuinness dived in recklessly, leaving Emiliano Marcondes to tap into an empty net. The misery was complete for the Hatters when Borja Sainz added a fourth.
Player Ratings
Kaminski - 5
Not the finest performance from the normally secure keeper. Was arguably at fault for the first goal, producing a weak punch after flying off his line, leaving Crnac an open goal. Could do little to stop the other three.
Hashioka - 6
Probably one of the Town’s best players on the day. Up against the tricky Sainz, he shut the winger out for 85 minutes, and provided an outlet on the right wing. Seemed very isolated whenever he had the ball.
Mengi - 4
An incredibly poor performance from a defender that we know can be so much better. Looks worlds away from the player who marshalled Premier League forwards last campaign, and his head seems to be elsewhere. Was lazy on the ball countless times, and produced an awful headed clearance for Norwich’s opener.
McGuinness - 4
Disappointing once again from the Town’s record signing. Miscommunication with Bell was the first of a catalogue of defensive errors that led to Norwich’s opener, and was embarrassed for the third goal, stuck on his heels as Crnac nipped in. At least you can tell he trying, which is more than you can say for other players.
Bell - 4
Lacklustre performance from the normally solid centre back. Poor clearance for the Norwich opener, and was comprehensively skinned by Hernandez as the home side made it four.
Chong - 3
Edwards is nowhere near safe from the blame after this performance, but when mistakes like Chong failing to see the ball out for a goal kick are happening, you have to feel sorry for him. You can argue Chong shouldn’t be playing at left wing back, but it is a schoolboy error to allow Stacey to keep the ball in play. Was rightly taken off at half time.
Baptiste - 5
Produced a couple of moments of invention and spark when on the ball, and worked hard off it, but the Town’s midfield looked so weak once again. It seems that the players have no idea where to stand, and who to mark.
Clark - 5
Pressed well to intercept for the Luton opener, and looked decent when the Town were on top. Seemed anonymous when the Hatters found themselves under pressure.
Brown - 5
It was a deeper role for Brown, and he seemed slightly out of the game at times. Managed to get his goal, with a neat finish from a corner.
Morris - 5
As always, worked hard for the Town and showed a bit of quality around the box at times. Still far too isolated and barely had any chances to test the keeper.
Adebayo - 6
Finished his chance very well, but apart from that struggled to make an impact on the game.
Subs
Moses - 5
Came on and showed a bit of life on the left wing, facing up his full back and putting in a couple of crosses as the Town were on top.
Woodrow - 4
Lacked the quality to make any real difference.
Taylor - 5
Rare 15 minutes for the attacker, but barely had a sniff.
Krauß - 5
Replaced Baptiste with fifteen left, but couldn’t help the Hatters get a result.