T&A chief reporter Simon Parker dissects the Bantams' latest defeat at Luton, outlining some of the key points to come out of the 4-0 loss.

ANTHONY O’CONNOR IS PIVOTAL

The City skipper’s absence through suspension left a big hole in the heart of the backline, not helped with Nathaniel Knight-Percival also starting his three-game ban.

Having stopped conceding goals in recent games, that worrying habit returned at Kenilworth Road without him.

O’Connor’s calming influence at the back – not to mention his threat at set-pieces – will be crucial in the months ahead.

JACK PAYNE PULLS THE STRINGS

The midfield playmaker was not risked from the start on Tuesday after feeling the effects of a knock in the Oxford game.

City badly missed his creativity and his introduction just before the hour transformed their performance in the second half.

Payne was at the hub of everything going forward and David Hopkin really needs him fit and firing. He will also be keeping his fingers crossed that Huddersfield allow him to stay for the full season.

GIVE THEM A BREAK

Every team at the bottom will have their hard-luck stories and City’s keep piling up.

Another key decision went against them when referee Antony Coggins failed to spot Luton keeper James Shea dropping the ball and then picking it up. That should have resulted in a free-kick to the Bantams – moments before the home side scored their second at the other end.

FIND A TARGET MAN

Kai Bruenker did a decent job against Oxford to be given another opportunity – which he failed to take.

The big striker put himself about but still doesn’t seem to be the answer for such an important role. He missed a glaring chance to score when he put a free header over the bar from close range.

Hopkin is already trying to nail down transfer targets for January and finding a big number nine has to be at the forefront of that.

EDIN EXIT LOOMS

The on-going uncertainty surrounding chairman Edin Rahic’s future at the club needs to be resolved.

It now appears to be case of when rather than if he will be leaving Valley Parade. It cannot afford to drag on given City’s perilous league position – a situation where they need everybody on the same side on and off the pitch.