Jacob Bruun Larsen sinks Luton to give Burnley first win of season

Before half-time the story was of Burnley outthinking Luton Town and going ahead with a lovely goal from Lyle Foster. During the second half the question was whether Vincent Kompany’s side possessed the resilience to survive a relentless aerial barrage. It seemed not when Elijah Adebayo hauled Luton level with six minutes left.

Moments later Burnley were showing that bravery is not always about putting your head where it hurts. Jacob Bruun Larsen, on as a substitute, was cutting in from the right and using his left foot to bend a beautiful shot into the top corner. Burnley had their first win of the season after edging this battle against another of the promoted sides.

The sight of Carlton Morris and Chiedozie Ogbene tearing forward to close down Burnley’s goalkeeper, James Trafford, after five seconds was a signal of Luton’s intent. The momentum belonged to them after their win over Everton and it seemed this was not going to be a night for inverted full-backs or playing out from the back.

What Luton wanted was a scrap and their confidence grew as they pressed during the early stages, threatening again when Ogbene almost met a driven cross from Morris.

Once the game settled down, though, Burnley soon found room to express themselves. Their football was slick and Josh Brownhill, Sander Berge and Josh Cullen did not take long to seize control in midfield. Luton fell back and were fortunate not to go behind when a corner from Brownhill found Ameen Al Dakhil, with the defender’s header drawing a fine save from Thomas Kaminski.

Burnley went close again when Brownhill whipped a shot over from 25 yards, then when the lively Zeki Amdouni produced a clever turn and fired wide from 20 yards. Luton, who had to bring Reece Burke on for the injured Amari’i Bell, would have loved such finesse. Their best moments came from deliveries from the flanks, Ogbene and Jacob Brown both glancing wide midway through the first half.

Yet the concern for Rob Edwards, the Luton manager, must have been how Burnley were outnumbering Marvelous Nakamba and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu in the middle. Luton were at a tactical disadvantage and their inability to respond cost them when Berge released Foster after escaping Mpanzu.

Onside and free of Tom Lockyer, Foster ran clear and slid a clever finish past Kaminski.

Luton had to improve in the second half. There was more intensity straight away, Morris and Brown heading wide, although Burnley were still playing their part. Brownhill, who has having a fine game, almost doubled their lead with a powerful shot.

Luca Koleosho was also causing problems with some lively dribbling on the right for Burnley, while Charlie Taylor was an adventurous presence at left-back. Luton needed a change. It came after the hour, Adebayo’s introduction for Issa Kaboré meaning the formation switched from 3-4-2-1 to 4-4-2.

Luton refused to stop. With six minutes left Tahith Chong pumped in another high ball and Burke headed it down. Adebayo turned and dragged his shot beyond Trafford. Kenilworth Road erupted. Bruun Larsen would have the final say.