Rob Edwards desperately needed a positive outcome following Luton's poor start to the season, and his team responded with a commanding performance in a resounding derby win. The aftermath of last season's relegation from the Premier League left Luton with only two wins in their first nine Championship matches—their worst start to an EFL campaign in 22 years—but they rose to the challenge, overpowering Watford. The hosts took the lead through Jordan Clark's close-range flick, and Carlton Morris, returning to the team, headed in early in the second half. A stoppage-time goal from Jacob Brown sealed the victory. Watford, who started the weekend in sixth place, were outclassed throughout by Tom Cleverley's team.
Edwards made three changes to the lineup that lost to Sheffield United, with captain Morris returning to lead the attack after missing the last three games due to a thigh strain. Former Reading defender Tom Holmes was handed his first start for Luton. Watford's goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann returned after a thigh injury that kept him out for four games, though he struggled and appeared not fully fit. Holmes nearly scored an own goal with a 40-yard back pass, and Luton's Reece Burke tested Bachmann early on. Luton quickly took the lead when Alfie Doughty's corner was volleyed towards goal by Holmes, and Clark's close-range flick found the net.
Luton dominated, with Tahith Chong blasting over from the edge of the area. Watford couldn't handle Morris's power and directness, and a bulldozing run set up Elijah Adebayo, but Mattie Pollock's tackle thwarted the forward. Giorgi Chakvetadze's rasping strike narrowly missed the target before halftime. Luton extended their lead early in the second half with Morris heading in from Doughty's corner. Watford's Tom Dele-Bashiru forced a save from Kaminski, but Morris was given a standing ovation when he was substituted. Bachmann saved Adebayo's shot, and Brown's injury-time finish reflected Luton's dominance. Watford's wait for a first win at Kenilworth Road since 2006 continues after this disappointing performance against their rivals.
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