Another Premier League evening under the lights at the Kenny. It is almost worth writing that again just so that it doesn’t ever become routine or taken for granted that Luton Town are in the Premier League. A massive privilege to be a Luton fan and to see Premier League football at Kenilworth Road thanks to the efforts of so many over the past 15 years and more.
Sir Robbie made just one change from the epic win at Everton where Teden Mengi replaced Reece Burke at the back. It was great see both Tommy Tommy and Alfie start after they had to be replaced during the game on Merseyside.
The first half was slightly disappointing after Saturday’s heroics. Burnley settled quickly and passed it around nicely. Luton did not really threaten. We’d have taken another shut out at half time but just before the break our nemesis Berge, who always seems to play well against the Town, surged forward from midfield. His ball found Foster who finished well. There were a few warnings before the goal as gaps were appearing in the middle of the park that the lads from the North were happy to run into.
Second half a completely different story. Not an exaggeration to say we gave Burnley an absolute battering. Carlton was denied a penalty when the ref judged the defender got about a 10% touch on the ball as well as a 90% clatter on the foot. Given the audio of the VAR incident in the Spurs Liverpool had been released just minutes before our kick-off, it is quite difficult to have any confidence what goes on at Stockley Park these days. When a VAR check is in progress perhaps the PA should play the Benny Hill music or a similar circus tune.
Luton’s deserved equaliser came with about 10 minutes including stoppage time to go when Burke provided a lovely knock down for Elijah to swivel in the box and poke it past Mr Trafford. The crowd were bouncing, the PA was announcing, but less than a minute later Burnley were pouncing as their sub unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the area giving Kaminski no chance.
That goal took all the stuffing out of Town and despite seven additional minutes we had no way back.
You would have clearly taken 3 points if offered from the combination of Everton and Burnley ahead of the weekend, but after such a high on Saturday, it was a bit of a sickener to take on a Tuesday.
No time to get downcast though, Luton still in a great position, and a free hit now against the rejuvenated Spurs side on Saturday lunchtime.