'Levels of Premier League, as we anticipated, are glaringly obvious'

Geoff Doyle, BBC Three Counties Radio

Luton had a really tough one last weekend in the Midlands. They were up against an Aston Villa side who are outstanding at home and scoring goals for fun under manager Unai Emery.

As such, the Hatters tactics were defensive and very clear from the start. Their shape was as compact as you could get. A back line of five, a middle set of four and Carlton Morris up top.

The gaps between each line were minimal. Keep space to a minimum, don’t press and lose shape, and stop Villa going pass, pass, pass and getting in.

Although a bit frustrating to watch you could understood why those tactics were employed. As defender Gabe Osho told me afterwards: “I can imagine it’s a bit hard to watch for our fans but I think it's important for us to stay concentrated."

Such was the quality of Villa, they worked out a way through, using curved runs from wing-backs Matty Cash and Lucas Digne and balls over the top. They won at a canter.

Against these good teams the idea seems to be to try and stay in the game for as long as possible and then try and nick one to set up a contest.

But it felt a bit like like damage-limitation at Villa Park and the scary thing for Luton is their opponents on Sunday, Liverpool, are even better. I expect the Hatters to play a similar way at Kenilworth Road.

Many feel Luton should be using their tight, intense home ground to their advantage to earn the majority of their points but the Hatters are probably going to have to pick their moments to give it a right go at home and this isn’t one of them. Crystal Palace at home in a few weeks is.

Defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool won't be unexpected but Hatters fans shouldn't lose too much sleep over it. The levels of the Premier League, as we anticipated, are glaringly obvious.

Listen to live commentary of Luton v Liverpool on BBC Three Counties Radio and Online at BBC Sounds.

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