“I don’t think we deserved to lose” Luton Manager drops “Shameful” claim over disallowed Goal revealing why the Black Cats never deserved the win.
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards felt his team was unfairly treated on Wednesday after Carlton Morris’s first-half goal was disallowed for offside.
Morris scored from Daiki Hashioka’s flick-on during a corner just before halftime, but the assistant referee raised the flag. While Morris was onside, the referee ruled that Jordan Clark had interfered with play. Clark had been obstructing Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and tried to reach the flick himself.
Despite praising Sunderland’s quality and determination, Edwards believed that both the decision and the final result were harsh on his side.
“We’re all feeling flat, I don’t think we deserved to lose,” Edwards said.
“There was a slight concern after Saturday’s performance that we might not replicate the same intensity, but we did. They started well, but after that, especially in the first half, most of the game was played in their half. Our pressing was excellent, the intensity was great – we just lacked the final touch. That’s on me, and we’ve got to keep working on it. I thought we had the first goal with Carlton, and having looked at it again, I don’t think Clicker [Jordan Clark] was offside or interfering. We don’t have VAR anymore, so we’ve just got to accept it. I believe it should have been a goal.
“In the end, they had two good moments with two quality players – we know we can be better in those situations. We didn’t capitalize on our chances. We had about 20 shots but only four on target, so we know where we need to improve. There was a lot to like in that performance, and the fans could see that.”
Edwards also stated he had no issues with two late penalty appeals, both of which were denied. There were calls for a penalty when Trai Hume challenged Clark as he prepared to shoot from close range, and another when the ball struck Aaron Connolly’s arm while defending a long ball forward.
“I don’t think it was a penalty – the ball hit his hand, but it was in a natural position, so no complaints there,” Edwards said.
“Clicker had a half-chance right at the end, but in the heat of the moment, he didn’t realize he had more time. He could have even taken a touch, but overall, he was very good tonight. Apart from Carlton’s offside decision, I’ve got no real complaints.”