Corberan seems to have found a solution
back, but take the penalty out of the equation and Town would have recorded their third-lowest expected goals conceded all season, behind only the 1-0 win over Millwall in October and the 2-0 victory over a Derby County side who played with 10 men for 87 minutes in February.
That’s because even in the rare moments when Luton did break through the lines or the ball was given away in a dangerous area inside the Town half, the team reassembled themselves superbly to ensure those chances came to nothing.
Harry Cornick’s speculative effort in the first half, easily saved by Lee Nicholls, was the only shot on target Luton mustered all game, while just one shot was blocked by an outfielder.
That’s no mean feat against the fourth highest-scoring side in the division. In fact, it’s the lowest combined pair of shots on target (one) and total shots (seven) Luton have managed all season, matching their efforts against Fulham in December. The fact they drew that game against the league leaders 1-1 regardless is suggestive of just how clinical Luton have been this season, and just how imperative it was the Terriers limited the opposition’s chances as much as possible.
Carlos Corberan’s side have had more dramatic defensive performances this season, games where their backs have been against the walls and they have come through it regardless by throwing their bodies in front of every shot.
The 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, the goalless draw at Blackburn and the 2-1 win at Fulham all come to mind.
But this was even better - Town kept their 17th clean sheet of the season by ensuring they didn’t need last-ditch interventions.
AFTER the Hull game it seemed Huddersfield Town had something of a problem on the left wing, with none of their options for that position making a particularly strong claim to the place.
But a switch-around first trialled in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest got a second go against Luton and looks like it might provide the answer.
Sorba Thomas was moved across to the right with Danel Sinani playing ahead of Pipa on that flank.
That Town would be looking to hit balls up the line for the Welshman became apparent right from the very first minute.
Harry Toffolo was tasked with a more conservative role, and while there’s an argument that perhaps stifles the productive left-back, it was appropriate for the occasion.
On the other side, Sinani played an unselfish game to drag Luton defenders out wide and create space for the right-back to come inside, as is his preference.
In spite of that, though, Pipa was much more positionally disciplined here than he was against Forest, and for perhaps the first time this season showed glimpses of the talented play we fell in love with at the start of last season.
Tino Anjorin was left out of the squad altogether but we understand there is no new issue with his fitness following his setback over the international break, the Chelsea loanee trained on Monday as he works his way back to fitness.
We suspect Corberan has his eye on Anjorin for a place on the left if he is able to start games anytime soon, but for now the solution he struck upon here might be their best option.