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Talking Tactics: Luton must go to Town on set-pieces to secure survival
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Adam Drury
LiveScore
Rob Edwards took charge of his first Premier League match on Saturday
Rob Edwards took charge of his first Premier League match on Saturday

Luton made a slow start to life in the Premier League as they were convincingly beaten 4-1 by Brighton on the opening weekend.

Rob Edwards' side were outplayed for long periods at the Amex Stadium — but there were some signs of encouragement as Carlton Morris' penalty reduced the deficit to 2-1 with nine minutes to play before two late goals put a shine on the scoreline.

With this weekend's game against Burnley postponed, Town have over a week to prepare for their next match at Chelsea.

We take a look at where they can improve.

Stay calm

Luton can take comfort in the fact that they will not be facing a team of Brighton's quality every week.

The Seagulls picked up where they left off last season, pulling their opponents apart with their smart passing and incisive attacking moves.

Things will get easier but Edwards' team must also cut out the errors that gifted their hosts a path to victory.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu's poor pass handed Roberto De Zerbi's side their third goal at a time when Town were gearing up for a late tilt at an equaliser.

Land of the giants

Elijah Adebayo is 6ft 4in tall
Elijah Adebayo is 6ft 4in tall

Luton will rarely have technical superiority over their opponents this season but must use their physical advantage.

Eight of the Hatters' 10 outfield starters at Brighton are listed as 5ft 11in or taller, with Mads Andersen and Elijah Adebayo over 6ft 3in. 

Edwards' side ranked second for dead-ball situations that resulted in shots in the Championship last season and produced two more efforts from set-pieces at the Amex.

They can follow the example set by Brentford, whose Premier League success has largely relied upon free-kicks, corners and long throws.

Wicked wing-backs

Two of Luton's key summer signings came in the wing-back positions —  so crucial to Edwards' system — and both debutants put in encouraging displays.

Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore played 29 matches for Marseille last season and his pace down the right-hand side was evident on Saturday.

Ryan Giles, meanwhile, produced 11 assists for Middlesbrough in the Championship last term — no player managed more — and played two key passes on his Hatters bow.

With Edwards lacking creative quality from the middle of the pitch, feeding the ball to his wide players will continue to be the way to go.

Ryan Giles was excellent for Middlesbrough last season
Ryan Giles was excellent for Middlesbrough last season

International class

Town's best chance of finding more goals and assists from midfield is Ross Barkley, who signed on a free transfer last week.

The 29-year-old's dribbling and eye for goal saw him heralded as one of England's brightest prospects at Everton and should he bring those skills to Luton, he could be transformative.

Barkley has registered 31 assists in his Premier League career and added another couple for Nice in Ligue 1 last term, with his 33 Three Lions caps surely singling him out as the most naturally talented player in the Hatters' squad.

His new boss Edwards said of the signing: "We need him and he needs us so it's a good time and a perfect fit.

"He is hungry and has the desire to help us hopefully achieve our goals, and also from a personal point of view, there's a platform here to maybe get back to where he sees he should be."

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Luton TownPremier League
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