Hull started life after Shota Arveladze in a familiar way when they were beaten 2-0 by Luton at MKM Stadium – their fifth consecutive Championship defeat.
The Georgian – who was appointed in January – was fired by president Acun Ilicali just eight hours before kick-off in East Yorkshire. “It is clear that our position is inconsistent,” a statement on the club’s official website read.
Both of The Hatters’ goals came in the first half; Alfie Jones’ unfortunate own goal gave the visitors a dream start, as Henri Lansbury ended a nearly four-and-a-half-year goal drought with a strike from distance to finally seal victory. .
As a result, Luton advanced to fifth ahead of the rest of the weekend’s games, with Hull – who have now conceded the second most of any team in English football’s top four leagues (23) – still in 20th place with 11 points. from 11 games.
How tigers were tamed again
Few would have expected Hull to get a confident victory right after Arveladze’s departure, but one would certainly expect the Tigers to show some early skirmishes. However, only six minutes had passed as there was a familiar sense of despair at MKM.
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Unfortunately, Alfie Jones was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, after a very good corner from the away team
Lansbury could have expected more from his own corner, but that didn’t matter at all when he found Elijah Adebayo unmarked, whose powerful shot hit the crossbar and bounced to Jones’ feet; The unlucky defender did not have time to hook the ball out and block the cross.
To be fair, the reaction was inspired when Hull took overwhelming control and forced Luton back with their half. Ryan Longman’s shot goes over the crossbar, before Regan Slater’s shot from depth misses and vibrates the underside of the crossbar and bounces off safely.
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Henri Lansbury was in an entertaining mood with and without the ball against Hull on Friday
Tigers keeper Nathan Baxter then shoved a Carlton Morris header into the post, before knocking off Jordan Clark’s shot. But just seconds after the second goal, he was beaten for the second time when Lansbury sweetly shot into the bottom right corner – his first since 21 April 2018.
With just over an hour left, Luton appealed for a penalty when Morris fell to the ground after Jacob Greaves grabbed his opponent’s shirt, but referee James Linington didn’t care.
In the end, however, it had no effect on the results. Hull ramped up the pressure as the second half began, but aside from half a chance for Ozan Tufan and Cyrus Christie – and with just 16 touches for top scorer Oscar Estupinan – clean sheets were rarely in doubt.
Player of the match – Henri Lansbury
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Luton Town players Henri Lansbury and Carlton Morris reflect on the game against Hull City and the scorers’ superb scoring technique.
What’s next?
Luton returned to action at 7:45pm on Tuesday 5 October, when they hosted Huddersfield to Kenilworth Road, with Hull hosting Wigan at MKM Stadium at 7:45pm the following day. Both matches are available to watch on Sky Sports Football Red Button.
