A hard earned point in John Eustace’s first outing as the Birmingham City boss.

The visitors had to stand tall against Luton’s highly vigorous press. Ruddy and Roberts stood out in amongst it all. Scores from Kenilworth Road:

John Ruddy (8) – The experienced stopper stood firm on his debut as he helped ease the pressure on a Blues team which was at times suffering from Luton’s high press. Dealt with pretty much everything calmly.

Maxime Colin (7) – An assured start to the season at both ends of the pitch. Had a half chance but couldn’t make much of it. Defended more sternly in the second half.

Auston Trusty (7) – Had to be alert on his side and ended giving away some free kicks. But he stood up to the task as the game wore on and managed to avoid any further concessions.

Dion Sanderson (7) – Faced a difficult task against two physical strikers but responded by being combative in the air. His yellow card might have fazed him but it didn’t. His performance actually went up a notch.

Marc Roberts (8) – Was on point in a defensive sense, winning his duels in the air and getting to the ball aggressively when he could. Not the man you would want to be instigating attacks from the back though.

Przemysław Płacheta (6) – Deployed in an unfamiliar wing back position and the winger looked rusty there, to no one’s surprise. Was targeted by Luton’s high press and was found wanting at times. Looked sparkly when he ran at his opposite number

Ryan Woods (6) – Was rattled by Luton’s’ high octane press and couldn’t forge any control on his part. The hosts forced errors from the former Stoke man but he worked hard to stay in the battle.

Jordan James (6) – More of a defensive display from the teenager but applied himself diligently and made himself strong against Luton’s troops.

Juninho Bacuna (6) – Nothing much from him and was kept marshalled by the hosts. There was not much creativity around him and he himself was limited in his efforts.

Troy Deeney (6) – Had little to work with and chances didn’t come his way. But the creativity was just lacking from those behind him.

Scott Hogan (6) – Unnoticeable during the match but that’s what happens when you have so little of the ball.

Lukas Jutkiewicz (for Troy Deeney) – N/A

Jordan Graham (for Przemysław Płacheta) – N/A