Player Ratings: Coventry City 3-2 Luton Town

Luton Town were beaten 3-2 by Coventry City on Saturday, surrendering a two goal half time lead to leave them in the Championship relegation zone.

It was yet another second half implosion for the Hatters, and a bitterly disappointing performance to match the worrying scoreline. Luton were dominated for the majority of the game by a Coventry side who had only won twice this season before they faced the Town, and deservedly left the midlands with nothing to show for their trip. After the performances against Watford and Sunderland, it seemed like Rob Edwards’ side had turned a corner, but the manner of the defeat on Saturday has been far too common this campaign. It was a pitiful and weak display, and one that leaves Hatters fans worrying far more about the relegation zone than any fleeting play off hopes.

Despite Coventry starting the brighter of the two sides, Luton were ahead after just 15 minutes, when Carlton Morris dispatched a penalty after Tahith Chong had been brought down in the box. The Hatters didn’t particularly spark into life after the opener, but found themselves two goals to the good when a superb Tom Krauß through ball was finished expertly by Elijah Adebayo.

However, after the break Coventry starting converting the type of chances they’d been spurning in the first period. When Ellis Simms headed home in the 59th minute, it almost seemed inevitable that the home side would come away with at least something from the game, and so it proved. Substitute Victor Torp curled in the equaliser with 15 minutes left to play, and there was only ever going to one winner as the Coventry onslaught continued. Tom Holmes was dismissed for a second yellow card, before Haji Wright dealt the killer blow as the clock ticked past 90 minutes.

Player Ratings

Kaminski - 6

Once again let down by those in front of him. Made a number of important saves, and could do nothing to prevent all three of the Coventry goals.

Moses - 5

Unable to really make any impact going forward, as the Town were penned in for the majority of the game. Didn’t make any major mistakes but was unable to get the Hatters up the pitch when needed.

Hashioka - 4

Still playing out of position as Rob Edwards deals with the seemingly never ending injury crisis in defence. Looked confident and strong in the first period, but was bullied by Wright in the second as the Town collapsed.

McGuinness - 5

After a good few games for the centre back, he wasn’t quite at his best on Saturday. Was carded early in the first half which limited his ability to snap into challenges.

Holmes - 5

Probably the best of a poor bunch before his sending off. Gives off Tom Lockyer vibes in the way he plays, with aggression and passion, but that boiled over as he was dismissed late on. Will be a big miss on Friday against West Brom.

Doughty - 4

Another who will miss out on West Brom, after picking up a complete joke of a booking for seemingly taking a free kick too quickly. Struggled up against the impressive van Ewijk.

Krauß- 5

Produced a sublime through ball to assist Adebayo’s goal, showing he has the composure and quality to go with the aggression. Bypassed in the second half however as Coventry took control.

Clark - 5

Looked good when it was going well for the Hatters, but completely out of the game as soon as the home side were in the ascendency. Ben Sheaf was excellent in the second half, and Clark couldn’t get near him.

Chong - 6

Came in for some criticism on Wednesday night as he made a couple of mistakes leading to goals, but showed his ability and creativity to win the penalty early on. Was taken off for Nakamba as the Hatters tried, and failed, to see out the game.

Morris - 5
Converted his penalty to give the Town the lead, and was dangerous enough in the first half. Only lasted an hour as he continues his return from injury.

Adebayo - 5

Looked really dangerous alongside Morris early on, pinning the Coventry centre backs as the Hatters utilised a direct style of play. Finished off a very decent first half with a goal, but was anonymous in the second period as Luton couldn’t escape their own half.

Subs

Brown - 5

Replaced Morris on the hour mark, but had very little impact on the game, with Coventry dominating.

Nakamba - 5

Came on to try and sure up the midfield, but was unable to stem the flow of Coventry attacks.

Walsh - 5

Back from suspension, and made a couple of nice passes and runs, but couldn’t help the Town see the game out.

Woodrow - 5

Had a half chance late on, but his shot was smothered by the keeper.