Sheff Utd 2-0 Luton

A masterful performance on Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s 22nd birthday gave Sheffield United an assured 2-0 victory over struggling Luton at Bramall Lane.

A goal in each half from the Crystal Palace loanee gave the Blades a comfortable victory over the Hatters, who had little to offer on the day.

The win for the Blades moved them level on points with Sunderland at the top of the Championship table.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder made six changes after the 1-0 win over Swansea, with Alfie Gilchrist, Sam McCallum, Ollie Arblaster, Rhian Brewster, Kieffer Moore and Rak-Sakyi joining the starting XI.

Luton manager Rob Edwards made just one switch to the side that drew 2-2 with Oxford, with Reuell Walters coming on for Jacob Brown.

The home side had the first opening when Rak-Sakyi got in behind the Hatters’ defense, but Walters recovered well to avoid pulling the trigger.

The winger scored his first goal after twelve minutes. Anel Ahmedhodzic hooked the ball back into the danger area and Rak-Sakyi brilliantly weaved past Walters and Mark McGuinness before finishing emphatically past Thomas Kaminski.

The Blades continued their dominance as Callum O’Hare played in Moore after picking the ball from the Luton defense, but Kaminski got down well to keep him out with his feet. Vinicius Souza then saw his attempt saved from distance.

Rak-Sakyi was again involved in the final chance of the half when he got a shot away after showing some quick feet, but Kaminski was equal again.

It was more of the same after the break as Rak-Sakyi came agonizingly close to sending in Brewster’s teasing cross.

The youngster finally got the second goal his performance deserved in the 52nd minute. Rak-Sakyi skilfully got past Walters and shot through Kaminski’s legs to double the Blades’ advantage.

Brewster tried to get himself on the scoresheet on his first start of the season but his drive from distance was pushed away by the Luton keeper.

The away side brought on Brown and Cauley Woodrow to try and get back into the game, while the Blades added Andre Brooks and top scorer Gustavo Hamer to the mix.

Souza came within a few centimeters of the three, but the midfielder saw his effort come back off the post. Substitute Brown came closest to giving the Hatters hope, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

United saw out the match to continue their run as the only team to remain unbeaten in the Championship this season.

Luton remain just one place above the relegation zone in 21st.

The administrators

Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder:

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Rob Edwards from Luton:

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