Josh Holland's talking points from Leicester City's defeat at Luton Town

Yesterday's defeat at Kenilworth Road was a combination of Luton Town exposing Leicester City's weaknesses and the Foxes falling below the level required to beat one of League One's better sides.

Deep into the pouring rain at Kenilworth Road, City looked to have shown enough spirit to come from behind and rescue a valuable point when Liam Cullen curled a superb effort into the bottom corner.

But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, the home side snatched a winner. Callum Marshall's close-range finish condemned Leicester to their first away league defeat under Russell Martin.

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Unlike in their previous two games against Doncaster and Bromley, Leicester started slowly at Luton and were punished. The hosts registered six attempts on goal, won eight corners and forced City into 18 tackles in the first half alone. They took the lead in the 39th minute when Nakhi Wells capitalised on a mistake by Caleb Okoli.

Jack Wilshere's tactical approach caused Leicester problems, although there had been warning signs in previous games. Doncaster and Bromley had both tried to exploit Martin's side by going long into the wide channels, but Luton were far more effective. Their set-up left City second best in that area.

Luton won two more aerial duels than the Foxes in the first half, with Kasey Palmer repeatedly getting the better of Warren O'Hora and Will Alves down Leicester's right. It was one weakness the hosts targeted, but not the only one.

Passing is not Caleb Okoli's strongest attribute, but his defensive qualities have often outweighed that limitation. At Kenilworth Road, however, he looked uncomfortable in possession, and Luton were quick to exploit it.

In the build-up to Wells' opener, Luton pressed Leicester man-to-man. Wells tracked Harry Souttar, Kasey Palmer picked up Warren O'Hora and Tudor Mendel was responsible for Okoli. But when the ball reached the Italian, Jordan Clark stepped up the pressure and won possession. As Wells tucked the ball away, midfielder Liam Walsh turned towards the home dugout to celebrate.

Wilshere had identified a weakness in Leicester's build-up, and potentially in the system itself. Martin responded by taking Okoli off and bringing on Luke Thomas at left centre-back. Thomas completed 85 per cent of his passes, compared with Okoli's 82 per cent.

The left-back is better on the left of a three than he is at left wing-back, with him being more than capable of playing a range of passes and dealing with balls in the channels. That is one change Martin could make against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night, with at least two other selection decisions to consider.

Wes Burns made an encouraging impact off the bench on his return from injury, operating at right wing-back. Although the former Ipswich man showed some signs of rustiness, he looked more comfortable than he has in Leicester colours this season. With Thomas moving into the back three, Burns could take the right wing-back role and Alves switch to the left.

John Lundstram's red card guarantees at least one change in midfield. The Leicester captain was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, the second of which was debatable, although Martin admitted that his player had given the referee a decision to make.

Will Smallbone completed 45 minutes at Luton and looked improved on his previous appearance. Cullen's goal after coming off the bench also gives Martin another option to consider when selecting his side for Wigan.

Leicester will also hope for a better experience with the officials next time out. At Luton, there were several contentious decisions, with Martin Woods and his assistants facing criticism from both sides.

OPINION

Emil Riis had a goal ruled out for offside, with the decision taking more than a minute to be confirmed amid protests from Luton players and supporters. Leicester were then left frustrated after Smallbone was kicked in the head inside the penalty area, but no spot-kick was awarded.

"We should have a penalty," Martin said post-match. "[On] Will Smallbone, high foot on his head. Anywhere else on the pitch and I think that's a foul. So that's my frustration." Asked if he had been given an explanation, the City boss said: "That's a pointless discussion."

Lundstram's red card has divided opinion, with the midfielder appearing to win the ball before following through on his challenge. Souttar was among those who disagreed with the decision, earning a booking after calling Woods "shocking". Whether the challenge warranted a second yellow card will remain a point of debate.