Luton 1-0 Newcastle: Player ratings as Magpies beaten by spirited Hatters

Newcastle United fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Luton Town on Saturday afternoon thanks to Andros Townsend's header.

Luton took a one-goal advantage into the first-half break, Townsend heading home at the far post from a corner. A dominant performance from the Hatters perhaps could have had them further in front, but Ross Barkley's fierce strike smashed the crossbar and stayed out.

Despite Newcastle's best efforts, they couldn't find an equaliser. The closest they came was Alexander Isak's offside effort just after the hour mark, but ultimately the Hatters secured a memorable win.

How the game unfolded

After a traumatic and emotional encounter with Bournemouth last weekend following captain Tom Lockyer's cardiac arrest, Luton returned to action against Newcastle. Fortunately, the Welsh defender is now in a stable condition and recovering at home, likely watching on as his side tangled with Eddie Howe's men at Kenilworth Road.

Despite a bright start from the hosts, it was Newcastle who created the first major opening. The Magpies saw two shots well blocked inside the area, the latter looping into the path of Callum Wilson, but the striker was unable to redirect the ball goalward. Thomas Kaminski then produced a sharp stop to rebuff Wilson's close-range header several minutes later.

However, it was the Hatters who would take the lead with 25 minutes played, Townsend lurking at the far-post to head home Barkley's flick-on from a corner. The 32-year-old dedicated his goal to Lockyer, holding up a shirt with the Luton skipper's name on the back.

Barkley almost etched his name on the scoresheet before the break with a stunning strike, but his powerful effort from 25 yards rebounded off the underside of the crossbar. Elijah Adebayo tested Martin Dubravka shortly afterwards, his drilled strike saved by the Slovakian's outstretched foot.

Luton almost doubled their lead shortly after the break, but Jacob Brown's shot left Dubravka's crossbar shaking for a second time. At the other end, Bruno Guimaraes came close to grabbing an equaliser with a side-footed effort that flew just wide of Kaminski's post.

Isak did have the ball in the back of the net with half an hour remaining, but it was ruled out for an incredibly marginal offside call. The Magpies continued to huff and puff, but they couldn't find a way past a spirited Luton defence. In the end, the Hatters held on for a vital and well-earned three points.

Luton player ratings (5-2-3)

GK: Thomas Kaminski - 7/10 - An assured performance from the Belgian who was reliable when called upon.

RWB: Issa Kabore - 6/10 - Coped with Anthony Gordon well down Luton's right flank, keeping the tricky winger quiet. Substituted at half-time.

CB: Teden Mengi - 8/10 - Solid at the back for the hosts and was, much like the rest of his defence, committed in the challenge.

CB: Gabriel Osho - 7/10 - Enjoyed a good physical battle with Wilson, one he largely won. Commanding display.

CB: Amari'i Bell - 8/10 - A really strong performance from Bell up against the likes of Wilson and Isak. Earned his clean sheet.

LWB: Alfie Doughty - 8/10 - Really helped Luton create overloads down the left-hand side in the first half before doing the same on the right flank in the second.

CM: Albert Sambi Lokonga - 7/10 - Stepped in well for Marvelous Nakamba, who was suspended for Newcastle's visit. Kept things ticking nicely and made some important defensive contributions.

CM: Ross Barkley - 9/10 - The midfielder's near-post flick-on set up Townsend in the first half, but he was incredibly unfortunate not to have a goal and another assist to his name before the break. Rolled back the years with an all-action display.

RW: Andros Townsend - 8/10 - In the right place at the right time to head home Luton's opener and enjoyed a great afternoon. Showed his supreme technical quality.

ST: Elijah Adebayo - 7/10 - Spurned a good opening late in the first half, but was a constant menace throughout.

LW: Jacob Brown - 6/10 - Plenty of endeavour and did strike the bar with one good effort.

Substitutes

SUB: Ryan Giles (46' for Kabore) - 7/10 - Got up to speed quickly and was part of a well-organised backline.

SUB: Mads Andersen (76' for Bell) - 6/10

SUB: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (80' for Lokonga) - N/A

SUB: Carlton Morris (80' for Adebayo) - N/A

SUB: Chiedozie Ogbene (80' for Townsend) - N/A

Subs not used: Tim Krul (GK), Jordan Clark, Tahith Chong, Cauley Woodrow.

Manager

Rob Edwards - 9/10 - His side started with brilliant intensity, Newcastle unable to cope with the Hatters' energy. They pressed well, defended as a unit and showed plenty of quality in the final third.

Newcastle player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Martin Dubravka - 6/10 - Helpless with Luton's opener and made one strong save to deny Adebayo.

RB: Kieran Trippier - 6/10 - A better performance than some of his recent displays, but still far from his best.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles - 6/10 - Substituted just before half-time with an injury in another blow to Howe. The skipper hadn't done an awful lot wrong before his withdrawal.

CB: Fabian Schar - 6/10 - Not his best showing, often giving away silly fouls. Generally looked a little fatigued.

LB: Dan Burn - 6/10 - Didn't do too much wrong but lacked the energy and attacking threat of someone like Tino Livramento.

CM: Sean Longstaff - 6/10 - A fairly average showing from Longstaff, who did pop up in some nice attacking positions.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes - 7/10 - The strongest of Newcastle's midfield players and looked the most likely to create something. Wasted a decent opportunity on the edge of the area.

CM: Lewis Miley - 6/10 - Unclear whether his first-half substitution was tactical, but that appeared to be the case. Replaced by Isak having put in a mediocre performance.

RW: Miguel Almiron - 5/10 - Buzzed around but offered very little in the final third. One opening that he slammed over the bar.

ST: Callum Wilson - 5/10 - Really struggled to influence proceedings, missing a big chance early on. Didn't hold the ball up well enough.

LW: Anthony Gordon - 5/10 - Looks knackered and in need of a rest. Nowhere near his energetic best.

Substitutes

SUB: Sven Botman (38' for Lascelles) - 6/10 - A solid cameo as he continues his recovery.

SUB: Alexander Isak (38' for Miley) - 6/10 - Had the ball in the back of the net and would have been Newcastle's saviour if not for a marginal offside. Otherwise didn't offer too much.

SUB: Tino Livramento (80' for Almiron) - N/A

SUB: Lewis Hall (85' for Burn) - N/A

Subs not used: Loris Karius (GK), Alex Murphy, Paul Dummett, Emil Krafth, Matt Ritchie.

Manager

Eddie Howe - 5/10 - Newcastle really struggled in the first half and his substitutions couldn't influence the game. Another disappointing afternoon.

Player of the match: Ross Barkley (Luton)

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