Hatters boss comes under severe pressure as Luton lose at home to Norwich.
Championship: Luton Town 0 Norwich City 1
Luton completed a thoroughly miserable Christmas as they began the new year in exactly the same manner they finished the last with what was a third straight defeat of the festive period, beaten 1-0 by Norwich City at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.
To be fair to the Hatters, they had been the better side after the break, hitting the bar through Tahith Chong, captain Carlton Morris also going close, but ultimately they paid the price for falling asleep at the back once more with 18 minutes to go, Marcelino Nunez drilling home what proved to be the winner from 20 yards.
Although sub Cauley Woodrow went close to a leveller in stoppage time, the final whistle brought with it boos from all corners of what is now becoming a toxic stadium, manager Rob Edwards jeered off as he completed his lap of appreciation, the club’s board also on the receiving end of the wrath from a late section of home fans who made it clear they want a change in the dug-out before Monday’s trip to QPR.
After losses on the road at both Bristol City and Swansea City, the Hatters made two changes to their side to face a team who like themselves, have struggled badly on their travels this term, without a win in their last eight on the road, Reuell Walters starting for the first time since early October in place of the suspended Joe Johnson. Youngster Zack Nelson also returned to the team with Marvelous Nakamba dropping to the bench where he was joined by Mads Andersen and Jacob Brown.
After an opening seven minutes in which the Canaries dominated possession, Town then read a low corner routine and set off on a burst down the left, Tahith Chong, once more looking ill at ease in his wingback role, finding Elijah Adeyabo in support to his right, the forward’s low drive easy for Angus Gunn. City looked to retaliate, Championship leading scorer Borja Sainz rifling over the top, before Luton were dealt a blow on 11 minutes, Jordan Clark having to go off the field and Nakamba taking his place.
Luton were thankful to Thomas Kaminski for keeping the scores level on 17 minutes as another slick Norwich move saw Sainz feed Emiliano Marcondes on the angle, Town’s keeper using his feet to deny the attacker. The hosts finally started to feature as an attacking threat on the half hour mark, Nakamba teasing over a splendid cross that saw Jack Stacey opt to duck underneath it at the far post.
The ex-Hatter hadn’t noticed the presence of Chong behind him, who seemed just as surprised that the delivery ended up in his vicinity, bouncing off his hip and going through to Gunn. The stopper was called upon on 39 minutes though as Luton worked the ball into an advanced area where Chong sent over a cross for Adebayo to glance goalwards, the Canaries keeper reacting smartly to shovel behind.
