Leicester City player ratings vs Luton as 2 4s given in injury-time heartbreak

The Foxes made the trip down the M1 on the back of two straight victories and looked destined to have secured a dramatic late equaliser when Liam Cullen scored in injury-time.

However, Luton recovered and bagged a late winner through substitute Callum Marshall.

Nakhi Wells’ goal in the 39th minute put the home side ahead in a first half they controlled and had plenty of chances.

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Alex McCarthy made three good saves to keep the home side out inside the first 25 minutes. His first stop denied Tudor Mendel before he pulled off successive saves from Kasey Palmer and Mads Andersen.

City's first opportunity came on the break with Kamari Doyle and Will Alves involved. Alves carried the ball towards Luton's box before playing Doyle through, but James Shea got down low to tip it wide.

Leicester thought they had took the lead when Emil Riis bundled home from close range. Excellent play from Alves and Sammy Braybrooke created an opportunity for Luke Thomas, whose shot fell to the striker on the floor.

The goal was initially rewarded, only for referee Martin Woods to rule it out after conferring with his linesman.

Luton's first half pressure paid off before the break when Wells scored his first ever goal against City. Caleb Okoli, who had been a trigger for the home side's press, had the ball pinched off him before Wells smashed home.

City made two changes at the break with Wes Burns returning from illness and Will Smallbone coming on. Okoli and Louis Page were sacrificed in their place.

Leicester started the second half much better and forced the hosts to panic in their build-up play. However, they failed to create any clear cut chances.

After having a goal controversially ruled out earlier on in the game, Leicester were victim to another questionable decision when Smallbone was kicked in the head inside the box. After taking his time, referee Woods allowed play to continue.

City got their goal when Cullen latched on to Riis’ knockdown outside the area. However, the action didn’t stop there when Luton snatched a dramatic winner.

A teasing ball across goal was met by Marshall in front of the empty net to bundle the ball home.

This is how the Leicester players rated in Luton:

Alex McCarthy: Pulled off three great early saves to keep the home side at bay, some unreal close distance saves. Couldn't have saved the goal after being forced to rush out. 7

Warren O'Hora: Lost some of his duels with Palmer when Luton went long but was better after the break. Marshalled Palmer well in second half. 5

Harry Souttar: Strong in his battle with Wells and was at the base of City's play. He was fuming with the referee. 6

Caleb Okoli: After two good performances, Okoli struggled at Luton, who evidently did their research on the centre-back. They pressed Okoli and he was at fault for the opener. 4

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Will Alves: Struggled when defending, with him having no chance against Palmer. When he went forward, he did so like he did at Bromley and played his role in most of their attacks. 6

John Lundstram: Struggled in the first half and couldn’t get his foot on the ball at all. Improved in second but was sent off for two yellow cards. 5

Louis Page: Smothered every time he got the ball in the middle of the park and seemed to hurt his lower back early on. Replaced at the break. 5

Luke Thomas: Kept busy by Tudor Mendel early on but made sure he stuck to his defensive duties. Too slow in his play when City were chasing a goal. 5

Kamari Doyle: Ran until he couldn’t, but like City’s midfielders, struggled to make an impact in the centre of the pitch. Replaced in the final 10 minutes for Cullen. 5

Sammy Braybrooke: Linked-up well with Alves down the right in the first half but went quiet after the break. Struggled with Luton's dominance in the centre of the park. 6

Emil Riis: Martin was fuming with his work rate early on with him not pressing Luton high. Didn't do much, but Leicester had no alternative on the bench. 4

Will Smallbone (for Louis Page): Put his head on the line, literally, late on and was unfortunate not to get a penalty. 5

Wes Burns (for Caleb Okoli): The most front-footed he has been since joining the club. A lot of running but he became too frustrated, 5

Conor Chaplin (for Sammy Braybrooke): Showed some signs of looking like the player we expect to see and more minutes. 5

Liam Cullen (for Kamari Doyle): Unreal finish for the equaliser. 6

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