An “embarrassed” Nathan Jones had foretold of having to take the odd punch on the chin as his side evolved in Championship, but in Cardiff they suffered two knockout blows that rendered the remaining 81 minutes pointless.
Town’s first defeat in five games was their heaviest of the campaign. And, considering the Hatters have made huge improvements to a backline that was, for much of last term, the leakiest in the division, this was an unwanted reminder of the worst capitulations they’ve suffered since returning to the second tier.
“I don’t think we were poor, we were horrific today. I don’t want to give anyone headlines but that was as bad a performance as we’ve had,” said Jones.
“I’ve had two games in my life where I’ve been a little bit embarrassed and this is one of them.”
And to make matters worse, all of City’s goals came from corners. That one of them began as a Luton set-piece adds to the misery.
Jones added: “I’ve got people in there (dressing room) that didn’t do their jobs today, and I include myself in that.
“We could’ve been better and we’ll analyse what could’ve been better.”
Set-piece practice could be on the cards, in that case as, first, Sean Morrison snuck in at the back post to poke in with five minutes gone.
Then, seconds after Luke Berry fluffed a corner kick, Cardiff countered and Mark Harris was only too grateful that Town took the social-distancing approach to marking, firing low beyond Simon Sluga.
The Croatian was in the wars but breathed deep when injured and in pain to prevent Harris from doubling his tally, then using his feet to keep out Kieffer Moore.
Luton’s only first-half foray forward saw Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall slide Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu in on goal, but the midfielder’s shot was unconvincing and palmed away.
The stalwart, marking seven years at the club today, was then given the hook along with Berry five minutes before the break. It could’ve been “absolutely anyone,” Jones told the BBC.
“I think probably two or three came out with any credit today. Two or three did live up to their billing today and two of those were loan signings, if I’m honest.
“Joe Morrell came on and was excellent but the rest were just below par today.”
Striker Sam Nombe was sent on for his debut in that early shake-up, but he too found service hard to come by, despite 61 per cent of the possession for his side.
Cardiff were simply more creative and though Joe Ralls should’ve made it 3-0, Moore did minutes later with a free header.
Sheyi Ojo squandered a two-yard sitter, when he headed over the bar, but he netted after creating space and drilling into the corner.
The only positive notes for Town were the continued excellence of Dewsbury-Hall – who was his side’s most effective defender and attacker – while Morrell’s substitute cameo included a cracker that came back off the inside of the Cardiff upright.
After biding his time, the Wales midfielder must now be given a start, but after this display he won’t be the only one.
PLAYER RATINGS:
SIMON SLUGA – 4
Made saves that prevented a cricket score, including a brave stop with his chest after injuring his shoulder.
RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES – 2
He didn’t close down Mark Harris, for the second and then couldn’t get near Sheyi Ojo for the fourth.
SONNY BRADLEY – 2.5
Felt he was fouled before the opener. Can’t be happy at conceding three goals from Cardiff corners.
GLEN REA – 2.5
With a Wales centre half on the bench, it might be time to decide that, though he can do a job in defence, he really is better suited to shielding the back four. He might’ve conceded a penalty if VAR was available when he blocked a cross with his hand in the second half, and he saw a late shot sail over, which wouldn’t usually be of note, but there were so few chances for Town.
MATTY PEARSON – 2
Completely lost Sean Morrison at Cardiff’s first corner for the opening goal.
RYAN TUNNICLIFFE – 2.5
Just his fourth Championship outing this season and it was not the sort of afternoon that would cement a starting berth Replaced by Tom Lockyer on 71 minutes.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 5
The best Luton player at both ends for the third game in a row. Made a vital block early on after Kieffer Moore was slipped in and deserved an assist for a through-ball to Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu. Replaced by Joe Morrell on 71 minutes.
PELLY-RUDDOCK MPANZU – 2.5
Should’ve done better in the 11th minute when sent through on goal, but opted for the near post where the keeper comfortably palmed away. Replaced by James Bree in the 41st minute.
LUKE BERRY – 2.5
Saw plenty of the ball but couldn’t create and was replaced by Sam Nombe in the 41st minute
HARRY CORNICK – 2
Too easily dispossesed and his end product was incredibly frustrating.
JAMES COLLINS – 2
Fed off less than scraps and his only shot, just before half time, went wide. No goals in six games now.
SUBSTITUTES:
JAMES BREE – 2
Kieffer Moore gave him the slip to head in from a corner in the 60th minute. He’s not sharp yet, after returning from injury.
SAM NOMBE – 2.5
Made his debut, coming on five minutes before the break and immediately found space in the box twice before being smothered by City defenders, but got very little service after that.
ELLIOT LEE – 2
Seems stuck in a role of either coming off the bench or departing for it. That won’t change after today.
JOE MORRELL – 4.5
A lively cameo from the midfielder who’s played more times for Wales than he has Town this term. Hit the inside of the post in the final minute of normal time, which was as close as Luton came to a goal. Regardless of that, his 19 minutes here should become 90 on Wednesday against Norwich.
TOM LOCKYER- 3
Like his international team-mate, the Wales centre half must now be in with a shot of starting against Norwich.
Unused subs: James Shea, Martin Cranie, George Moncur, Jordan Clark
That was probably a performance that had been a long while coming. We have been a lot more solid this season at the back, but the tactics this season seem to be geared to not losing rather than trying to win. When that goes wrong so early in a game sometimes the floodgates are opened.
3 mistakes from Bradley in 3 games have equalled 3 goals. People are going to make mistakes but we need to help the defence out by offering a threat up front. There was no attacking intent yesterday just like most of the season. Our passing was (as usual this year) slow and to feet or behind rather than quick and in front of the player so he runs onto it at pace. We also seem to want to pass the ball into the net which is why we’re so reliant on set pieces. DH had a good game but he had a chance in the box to shoot in the first half and dallied so the opportunity was lost. Same with Tunny who reminded me of his worst form from last season. Him and ND made a Tunny and Butterworth tribute act down the right for the second goal. No attempt to stop the cross.
Hopefully it was just a bad day at the office. But on the current goals per game ratio it would take just shy of 6.5 matches to score the 5 goals needed to have won yesterday. Mistakes will happen at the back. It’s not possible to keep a clean sheet every week. NJ and the attackers have to figure something out to be better and much more positive or we will drop a bit further down the table over the next few months. It’s becoming very dull watching on the internet. My son now barely watches. Some entertainment soon would be very welcome. Release the shackles please NJ…
At the risk of stating the obvious, the team selection has to be queried. NJ’s loyalty to those who’ve served him well is understandable, but when it leads to playing people out of position – Pearson and Rea – when there are talented alternatives – Bree and Lockyer – available it goes too far. Morrell should also be starting rather than coming on when it’s too late. Let’s hope for a more balanced selection v Norwich.