Phill's Diary - Luton Town 2-1 Man United - Loss

Phill reflects on a narrow defeat to Man Utd

Such a shame! What a game, but what a shame we missed the chance to take some points again. It's gutting, because we were really impressive in terms of fight, build up, desire and character, but unfortunately we weren't able to get that clear cut chance to regain parity in the game.

The game obviously started off hideously, I don't want to dig him out, because besides the mistake Amari'i had a decent game. The ball sort of fell weirdly on his weak foot and it was like he didn't know whether to go to Kaminski or if he should pass across, ending up doing neither unfortunately and Hojlund took the chance. Then the double sucker punch when a skewed shot hit Hojlund and deflected into the far corner. Nightmare start.

What was so impressive though was our reaction, in the face of a 2-0 deficit and a jubilant away crowd, we continued to find space out wide and play some dangerous balls into the box. I was really pleased Carlton Morris got a goal, he's been great recently and deserved that goal through sheer bravery. Losing Adebayo pre-game was a kick in the nuts and the knock on effects of a lack of options off the bench was felt a bit later when at times we looked leggy, though I did find the dangerous looking Chong coming off a tad weird?

I thought Sambi was magnificent throughout, spreading play well, linking with Barkley and showing unbelievable desire to make sure we didn't go behind at crucial times in the game. Ross, Sambi and Carlton were all testing Casemiro and Maguire to the max, and how neither got a red card for persistent fouls still baffles me. I felt today was another example of the referee being petrified to make a decision against a big club. Both could have walked before half time, but they were afforded the chance to substitute them instead. I think Mainoo is some player by the way, unbelievable strength and calm at such a young age.

We huffed and puffed, put balls in consistently, but we're unable to have a meaningful chance until the last minute when Barkley's flicked header hit the crossbar.

So, all in all it was a weird one. A great game for the neutral, a nervy one at times where we owed thanks to Kaminski and our defensive unit, but also one where we dominated the game and just couldn't quite break through.

That's it for the traditional top 6 at Kenilworth Road in the league, as of now the remaining fixtures all take on massive importance. Hopefully we face those games with the return of Elijah, who was massively missed today. But we can do this, just need to cut out errors and continue to work our nuts off like Sambi did today.

Off to Anfield on Wednesday for a free hit. They're in superb form and on a mission for the exit bound Klopp. So let's go enjoy it and hopefully cause an upset! Take care, Phill