Brighton & Hove Albion vs Luton Town FC (12th Aug 2023)

Full Report | Brighton 4-1 Town

Brighton and Hove Albion 4 March 36, Pedro 71 (pen), Adringa 85, Ferguson 90+5

Town 1 Morris 81 (pen)

The Town were denied a fairytale win on their return to top-flight football, as the Hatters suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Brighton on the opening Saturday of the Premier League season.

Playing in the top division for the first time in 31 years, Rob Edwards’ side carved out a number of good chances against the Seagulls – who finished sixth in the Premier League last season – but went behind to a first-half Solly March header and a second-half penalty by João Pedro.

Carlton Morris gave hope to the 3,000 Hatters fans in the away end when he calmly slotted home from the penalty spot to score Luton’s first ever goal in the Premier League, but late strikes from Brighton substitutes Simon Adringa and Evan Ferguson ensured a final scoreline that was somewhat harsh on the visitors.

Town manager Rob Edwards named five debutants in his starting line-up, with goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, defender Mads Andersen and midfielders Issa Kaboré, Tahith Chong and Ryan Giles all featuring from the off.

The first half was a frantic affair in which the home side enjoyed the majority of the possession. Brighton’s first clear-cut chance came after just two minutes as Japan winger Kaorou Mitoma pinged a perfect ball onto the head of Lewis Dunk, only for the Seagulls’ skipper to head over.

The Hatters more than held their own in the opening stages, however, and were soon carving out chances from both wings. With less than four minutes played, Morris burst down the left before squaring the ball towards striker partner Elijah Adebayo. Jason Steele in the Brighton goal was alert to the danger, though, and leapt off his line to gather.

Brighton should have been a goal to the good just moments later when striker Pedro received the ball just five yards from goal but scuffed his shot wide.

Possession continued to fluctuate as former England man Danny Welbeck flashed a dipping shot just over the Luton bar before Kaboré tore up the right wing before sending in a cross that couldn’t quite find Morris or Adebayo. Fellow debutant Giles picked up the loose ball and fired it back into the area – only for Dunk to chest it skilfully into the hands of Steele.

Brighton were gaining in confidence as the half wore on and Welbeck came close to opening the scoring with a shot that fell too close to Kaminski following strong defensive pressure from Andersen.

Still, the Town continued to threaten on the break. After becoming the first player in English football to go all the way from the Conference to the Premier League with the same club, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu came close to capping his achievement with a goal. The DR Congo international dived at full stretch to meet a well weighted Kaboré cross, but his header went agonisingly wide.

Shortly after the half hour mark, Mitoma fizzed a shot over after a great pass from former Liverpool and England man James Milner on his Brighton debut.

It was a warning of what was to come. Just a few minutes later, the influential Mitoma lifted the ball in towards fellow midfielder Solly March who sent a glancing header past Kaminski and into the Luton goal.

It was nearly 2-0 three minutes later as Welbeck pounced on a Pervis Estupinan pass before striking the post. Kaminski reacted quickly to collect the rebound.

Brighton continued to press, but, as the half wore to an end, it was the Town who came closest to scoring as Morris headed another dangerous Giles cross just wide in added time.

Following the restart, the home side were soon putting the pressure back on. A skilful run and shot by Pedro was blocked by Mpanzu before Kaminski dived low before the woodwork denied Brighton a second goal, when a Pascal Gross free kick struck the post.

In the 64th minute, Edwards made a double change with Alfie Doughty and debutant Jacob Brown coming on for Kaboré and Adebayo. The move nearly paid off immediately with Brown firing in a cross just one minute later that Morris rose to – but couldn’t quite head home.

Any nerves that Brighton may have been feeling were lessened with 20 minutes remaining when Tom Lockyer was adjudged to have fouled Pedro in the box. The Brazilian picked himself up to take the spot-kick which Kaminski got his gloves to but was unable to keep out.

A seventh new signing was introduced in the 76th minute when Chiedozie Ogbene replaced Andersen.

Moments later, the Hatters’ fans were celebrating a piece of history as referee David Coote pointed to the spot once more, this time at the other end of the pitch, after Brown whipped in another right-wing cross, which struck the elbow of Dunk. Following VAR confirmation of the handball, Morris stepped up to send Steele the wrong way to score his and Luton’s first ever goal in the Premier League.

The joy was short lived, however. Within four minutes, Brighton had restored their two-goal lead. Kaminski did well to punch the ball away but the Hatters defence were unable to clear the pressure, allowing substitute Adingra to make it 3-1 from close range.

For the remaining five minutes of regular time, it was all Brighton with Ferguson hitting the post before Kaminski made another fine save from Gross – this time with his shins.

The Town were still fighting and could have had another goal when substitute Cauley Woodrow headed back to Brown, whose shot was just palmed over by Steele. But instead of a consolation goal, the Hatters had to stomach a late fourth for Brighton. Estupinan burst down the left wing and sent in a perfect pass for Ferguson to slide home at the back post.

With the referee blowing his whistle for full-time moments later, it was a harsh end to a battling Hatters display, something that was recognised by the 3,000 travelling fans.

Despite the result, the supporters remained in strong voice throughout – particularly as they celebrated the Town’s first ever goal in the Premier League – and rose to applaud the team’s efforts at the final whistle.

It's a free week for the Hatters next week and Edwards' side return to Premier League action at Chelsea a week on Friday. See you then.

Town: Kaminski; Kaboré (sub Doughty) , Giles, Andersen (sub Ogbene), Lockyer, Bell; Nakamba, Chong (sub Woodrow), Mpanzu (sub Berry); Morris, Adebayo (sub Brown).

Subs not used: Shea, McAtee, Campbell, Francis-Clarke.

Attendance: 31,872, including 3,001 shouting for the Town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSkMw095cZ8 – Paul Trollope post match interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7CbTCUqF90 – Match highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GooX0eRFE9E – extended match highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uljE2fxJbI – Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu interview

Paul Trollope | "The fans were fantastic all afternoon"

Luton Town assistant manager Paul Trollope, stepping in for manager Rob Edwards who had lost his voice, credited the fans for their support as the Hatters fell to defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

“It’s not the result we wanted," said Trollope. "We’ve come away having learned a lot of lessons. I think there were a lot of positives we can take from the game, but we’re not good losers and we don’t want to lose games of football, so we’ll take it on the chin.

“We thought the players’ application and from a tactical point of view, the gameplan was good and we knew we were coming up against a quality team who have been strong, especially at home over the last couple of years.

“I think we were in a really good place in the second half, the fans sensed that as well and were fantastic all afternoon. The reception at the end was brilliant and we will certainly need that support going forward."

On the 3,000 travelling fans in the away end at the AMEX Stadium, Trollope added: “In the warm-up you could see the passion and the drive they brought to the team, and right through the game.

"The fans know the situation. They know where we are as a football club and we are really thankful for their support. They were wonderful at the end as well, despite a defeat we are not happy with.

“I’d like to reiterate that as well. We aren’t going to pat ourselves on the back having got beaten. That’s not what we are about.

“When we first came in we said about being ambitious and taking the club forward, and we are no different in the Premier League. We respect people, but we certainly don’t fear. We showed that at times today.

“They are a good side, but we were bold at times. We took risks and probably on another occasion we may have got a goal or two in that first half that maybe would have changed the game.”

Luton suffer opening day defeat as Brighton's extra class shows late on

Premier League: Brighton & Hove Albion 4 Luton Town 1

Luton Town's first foray into the Premier League ended with a heavy defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium this afternoon, but up until the last 10 minutes, the Hatters were right in it.

Trailing 2-0, the visitors won a penalty after Lewis Dunk handled substitute Jacob Brown's cross, with Carlton Morris stepping up to find the bottom corner and give the 3,001 travelling supporters hope of an unlikely point.

However, Brighton's extra quality then paid off in those closing stages, with Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson both finding the net, ensuring the Hatters left the south coast with nothing.

Boss Rob Edwards had given debuts to five of his summer signings, with Thomas Kaminski, Mads Andersen, Issa Kabore, Tahith Chong and Ryan Giles all making their first starts, Marvelous Nakamba also in after making his move permanent from Aston Villa.

Recent addition Brown was on the bench, although Ross Barkley missed out after only just joining the club, as it was Brighton who threatened first, Dunk heading Mahmoud Dahoud's cross over at the back post.

Carlton Morris then got away on the left in Luton's only real foray during the opening exchanges, his cross well cut out by keeper Jason Steele.

The hosts should have gone ahead on six minutes, when Tom Lockyer made a terrific challenge on Danny Welbeck inside the box, the ball breaking for Pascal Gross who picked out Joao Pedro, the ex-Watford player scuffing horribly wide to the delight of the packed Hatters ranks behind the goal, who had quickly made him public enemy number one.

Welbeck's dipping volley from 20 yards didn't come down in time, as Luton made sure they got through the opening stanza unscathed, both wingbacks Giles and Kabore seeing dangerous deliveries cleared.

Kaminski was called into his first meaningful action, as with Welbeck getting away from Lockyer, his angled attempt was expertly handled by the Belgian.

He didn't need to worry about Dahoud's hopeful blast from range as Luton began to look assured in their new surroundings.

Just as they were settling down though, the deadlock was then broken when Brighton showed their extra quality going forwards.

Kaoru Mitoma found some space on the left and this time got his delivery spot on, Solly March escaping the attentions of Amari'i Bell to expertly cushion his header beyond Kaminski.

Town almost levelled immediately, Elijah Adebayo winning a corner and Giles' set-piece met by a powerful downward header from Morris that cannoned away off Steele, when either side of him and it was an equaliser.

Kabore curled over when the next dead-ball fell to him, as the woodwork prevented Albion from extending their lead, Pervis Estupinan picking out a stretching and unmarked Welbeck, whose attempt hit the post and bounced back into the arms of Kaminski.

Town, who had looked a danger when they got the ball wide, went close again, Giles hanging up a cross that saw Morris climb highest, but fail to pick out the bottom corner.

Luton had hoped the interval would quell Brighton's increasing dominance, but the Seagulls were on the front foot, Jan Paul van Hecke's header easy for Kaminski, Mpanzu back in the nick of time to get a crucial block on Pedro's effort.

Town were grateful to the outside of the post once more when Mads Andersen was booked for blocking Pedro and the quick free kick that followed saw Gross's attempt to catch out Kaminski but rebound off the foot of the woodwork.

The Luton stopper showed good reactions to beat away another effort from March when Brighton's players were queuing up to shoot, without any of them taking charge.

Edwards brought on Brown and Alfie Doughty midway through the half, with the former Stoke frontman almost having an instant impact, his cross-shot deflecting just beyond Morris at the far post.

Just as Luton's away end was starting to believe that an equaliser might be on,. Brighton appeared to put the game beyond doubt as with 20 minutes to go, Pedro latched on to a ball forward and went over inside the area, referee David Coote instantly blowing for a penalty.

Yes, Lockyer's arm was across the forward, but his dramatic fall to the ground was a bone of contention to the Town dug-out and Luton's captain himself, with VAR surprisingly opting to stick with the official's decision.

Kaminski was almost the hero, diving the right way, just unable to get enough on Pedro's effort, as it nestled in the back of the net.

With both sides starting to ring the changes, it was Luton who gave themselves a lifeline when Brown, who caught the eye with his pace and willingness to run on the right saw a cross cannon against the outstretched arm of Dunk, with Coote once more pointing to the spot.

After a VAR check, it was awarded, Morris's stuttering run enough to send Steele the wrong way and score what was Luton's first top flight goal since May 2, 1992, when Julian James had notched at Notts County.

With Brighton potentially seeing two points dropped, the hosts immediately went for the jugular to kill the game off, and did so courtesy of some very charitable defending from the visitors with five minutes left.

Trying to pass their way out from the back, Kaminski saved well from Estupinan, as Mpanzu's attempts to chest the ball when it was dropping out of the sky, teed up Simon Adingra, who rifled past Kaminski at his near post.

With the points safe, Brighton looked to add a further gloss, Republic of Ireland international now on, Evan Ferguson almost doing so with a terrific curling effort that smacked the inside of the post, Kaminski’s legs denying Gross.

Seven minutes of stoppage time were signalled and Luton almost made it an exciting final passage when sub Cauley Woodrow got up well, his header volleyed by Brown, Steele forced to flick it over the top.

Morris couldn’t quite keep his header down when Woodrow got up to knock the ball back to him, as Town did then concede a harsh fourth in stoppage time.

Dunk’s searching pass sent Estupinan away on the left and with Luton's defence backtracking, the Ecuadorian was able to send over a low cross that Ferguson slid home to seal the points.

Seagulls: Jason Steele, Lewis Dunk (C), James Milner (Joel Veltman 79), Solly March (Simon Adingra 73), Mahmoud Dahoud (Billy Gilmour 73), Joao Pedro (Julio Enciso 88), Pascal Gross, Danny Welbeck (Evan Ferguson 74), Kaoru Mitoma, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pervis Estupinan.

Subs not used: Bart Verbruggen, Igor Julio, Steven Alzate, Facundo Buonanotte.

Hatters: Thomas Kaminski, Mads Andersen (Chiedozie Obgene 76), Tom Lockyer (C), Amari'i Bell, Issa Kabore (Alfie Doughty 64), Marvelous Nakamba, Tahith Chong (Luke Berry 88), Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu (Cauley Woodrow 88), Ryan Giles, Elijah Adebayo (Jacob Brown 64), Carlton Morris.

Subs not used: James Shea, John McAtee, Allan Campbell, Aidan Francis-Clarke.

Referee: David Coote.

Booked: Estupinan 6, Mitoma 43, Andersen 50, Kabore 58.

Attendance: 31,872.

Hatters boss felt Town shot themselves in the foot during Seagulls defeat

Luton chief reacts to opening day loss

Luton boss Rob Edwards felt his side shot themselves in the foot when conceding the crucial third goal against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

The Hatters looked like they were down and out with 71 minutes gone, Tom Lockyer giving away a penalty for a dubious foul on the hosts’ £30m signing Joao Pedro, who got up to beat Thomas Kaminski from the spot.

Town then gave themselves a lifeline when Jacob Brown’s cross was handled by Lewis Dunk, Carlton Morris netting his and the club’s first-ever Premier League goal to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes left.

However, the Hatters then made a number of mistakes ahead of the Seagulls’ clinching third, Lockyer’s pass cut out, before Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s touch let him down allowing Simon Adingra to lash home.

Evan Ferguson then went on to add a fourth in stoppage time, as asked if the resulting scoreline was harsh, Edwards said: “Yes and no if I’m being honest.

"I thought we were right in the game at 1-0 and 2-1, but we shot ourselves in the foot.

"We made a couple of clear errors in the build-up to the third goal and we got punished, and at this level you do get punished.

"It shows the ruthless nature of the league, as just before at 2-0 down, we made some aggressive changes, we got back into the game.

"Whether it was a penalty or not, at 2-1, I’m really disappointed with the manner we conceded the third goal.

"You’re caught in a balance against a team like this when you want to be aggressive and try to get back into the game, but you know you’re going to leave yourself open and there was space.

"A team like that smells blood and then towards the end they start opening you up a little bit and they started opening us up a little bit.

"But I want to say that there’s some positives there.

“There were some really good moments in the first half.

"We carried out a gameplan very well, we were compact, resilient and retained a real threat on the counter attack.

"We had some good moments from set-pieces that I would like us to be more clinical in, so overall, yes some good stuff, but we’ve got to learn and we’ve got to learn quickly in certain areas.”