Luton were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Thursday night after a 2-0 defeat at Premier League side Chelsea.
The visitors put up an impressive defensive display at Stamford Bridge, only breached twice in the second half through Danny Welbeck and Hakeem Odoffin’s own goal. To find out how the Hatters rated on the evening, see below.
5. Joe Johnson: 8
One of six changes made by boss Wilshere, the teenager deserves credit for the way he was able to perform, as having not featured so far, was thrown into a huge stage and against a Chelsea side full of early season confidence. Kept his wits about him when Rogers looked to have taken advantage of a one-touch interchange inside the box, nipping in to read the attack and clear behind. Booked for a tackle on Estevao when caught out by a superb flick, but then made sure he was disciplined afterwards to avoid a second caution and keep 11 on the field. Another who looked at ease in possession despite the Blues' pressure and will want to push on and get back into the first XI now. Photo: David Horn
6. Benny Benagr: 7.5
Will need to pinch himself soon to see if he isn't in some kind of dream, having gone from playing for the U18s to now running out at Stamford Bridge to take on a Chelsea side containing stars such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. Deployed in more of a wingback role, he stuck to his task well for the hour he had, finding the tricks of Estevao hard to deal with at times, which is hardly a surprise. Still had the confidence to look lively in the final third, one shot that skewed out for a throw, but then another was on target until cleared away. Also found Lawrence for an opportunity, while great to see him just try and run his man, French international Gusto, in the second period. Such a talent. Photo: David Horn
7. Liam Walsh: 7
Had some good moments on the ball during the rare opportunities he found space to work in, as with Luton playing a risky game at times, showed courage to stick to the gameplan and receive possession in deep areas to find a team-mate, especially with Chelsea players swarming around him. Didn't always come off, with the hosts able to pick his pocket and create some moments of danger, none more so than for the clinching second goal when they dispossessed him high up before releasing Estevao. His set-pieces led to some half-chances for Luton, one headed at the keeper by Odoffin, while another cross from open play saw Palmer nod over. Photo: David Horn
8. Kasey Palmer: 7.5
Back at the club where he came through the academy, the Jamaican international had to drop deeper alongside Walsh as Luton switched formations and Sandal's injury meant Town had limited midfield options at Stamford Bridge. With Luton needing to dig in and try to get through the opening 20 minutes, it meant he barely saw the ball early on, although like the rest of his team-mates, began to grow into the contest, able to drive the Hatters forward on occasion. Had far more influence after the break, leading a few charges for the visitors, also going close to the goal he clearly wanted, heading an early chance wide and then seeing a low snapshot miss the bottom corner by a foot or so. Photo: David Horn