Everton’s controversial, and damning 10 points deduction following a breach of profitability and sustainability rules, saw them drop from 14th to 19th in the Premier League table. In turn, Luton Town moved out of the relegation zone. Alongside this set of circumstances, Luton earned their second win of the season by defeating Crystal Palace 2-1, with the winning goal constructed by three summer signings, who are a part of a clear trend in Luton’s strategy to life in the top flight.
Midfielder Ross Barkley’s well-timed pass towards the right flank met its target, winger Chiedozie Ogbene, who took a touch, before playing a low, in-swinging cross with enough speed and curl to make the delivery impossible to defend against. Centre-forward Jacob Brown knocked the ball goal bound from close range, which put Luton ahead in the match for the second time.
Ogbene, who provided the assist, is a source of frequent ball-carrying. According to the resourceful FBref, Ogbene has been completing 6.0 progressive carries per 90, and 2.11 take ons per 90, as well as trying to cross the ball into the box. His style is seemingly straightforward, but nonetheless key to Luton having any chance of staying in the Premier League.
Ogbene is also an indicator of how Luton prepared for their first season in the Premier League, and their first season in the top flight for over 30 years. The winger was signed from Rotherham United, and was not the only player to be acquired for small fees and/or from sides still in the lower leagues.
Luton bolstered their ranks this way, and in doing so, have forged a hard-working squad that has its benefits. There were question marks over a potential lack of ambition by seemingly not trying to sign higher profile players and/or foreign players from overseas, which would arguably improve chances of survival. But signing talented players from the Championship who, albeit eager to test themselves in the Premier League, arguably means that
a) Luton have a core of players who will likelier stay at the club if they were to drop back down to the Championship. That in itself would retain stability amongst the squad, and boost chances of a return.
b) Luton have signed players where they know what they would be getting into with each player, including their strengths and weaknesses; players they feel would fit their squad well.
c) Luton did not go over their transfer budget, which would possibly come back to haunt them if they were to be relegated.
And amongst these signings, and the players that helped secure victory in last season’s Championship play-offs, Luton have a number of interesting profiles that are carrying out their clear tasks in their game plans including:
Alfie Doughty: Holds the width on the left-flank, and looks to play crosses into the box.
Ross Barkley: Distribution, including switches to the flanks, from deeper positions.
Tahith Chong: Dynamic on and off the ball, lots of running from midfield.
Chiedozie Ogbene: Speed and directness on the wing, threatening ball carrier.
Elijah Adebayo: Runs via the channels
Carlton Morris: Aerial threat, and a nuisance in the box.
Morris was involved in goals in both of Luton’s wins so far. The first, funnily enough against Everton, was a powerful header following a well-worked corner kick. And against Palace, it was Morris’ flick-on that was met by Mengi, who was lurking around the back post whilst unmarked. Both of these goals came from set-piece situations, which are one of Luton’s key strengths.
Luton have scored more goals, and conceded less than both Burnley and Sheffield United, who were also promoted. But what also needs to be noted, is the time in which Luton score. theanalyst.com reported that 67% of Luton’s goals are scored within the last 15 minutes, and that would include the goal scored by Brown against Palace. Pushing for a result in the latter stages could help Luton earn more valuable points, who are a side keen to defend deep for large portions of matches.
Although those valuable points Luton need may be hard to come across in the next few games, as they are set to face Brentford, Arsenal, and Manchester City in succession. Three consecutive defeats would provide a dent to their hopes, but it is nevertheless harder to rule Luton out of survival than it was at the start of the campaign.
Data: FBref, The Analyst
Image: Luton Town
The Conventional Playmaker 