A massive day in Brighton yesterday, as the Hatters roared on by 3001 fans and a few extras in the prawn sandwich areas, scored their first ever goal in the Premier League. Yes, Brighton got a few more, but plenty of encouraging signs on the south coast.
Five debutants in the Luton Town starting XI – the keeper Kaminski, plus Kabore, Giles, Andersen, and Chong. Bell, Morris and Elijah the only starting survivors of last year’s opener at the Kenny against Birmingham at the end of July 2022.
For over 30 minutes I thought we looked comfortable. So much so I took a photo of the scoreboard. Brighton had the first booking, and Chong made a great start in midfield, looking committed.
Mitoma – later booked for kicking the ball into the crowd – looked a class act throughout the game, and it was his cross late in the first half that saw Bell caught slightly under the ball, and March headed in the opener.
Typical Luton we came straight back and forced a corner. A great delivery saw Morris power a header that was tipped round by Steele in the Brighon goal.
After the break a good save from Kaminski pushed a Milner shot on to the post. Pedro on debut for Brighton, went down far too easily after being brushed by Lockyer, and Kaminski almost reached the resulting penalty. Encouraging despite the goal that the keeper got so close.
The big moment all of Luton had been waiting for came with just 10 minutes of normal time remaining when Lewis Dunk clearly handled in the box from a Brown cross. Yes he was unlucky as the ball hit his arm but the rules are by now pretty clear. Carlton stepped up and with a delightful shimmy made absolutely no mistake.
Super Robbie then went all out for the equaliser and a powerful volley from Brown just flew over. We were hit on the counter a couple of times as Brighton brought on their teenager sensation Ferguson, but after 9 minutes of injury time the whistle blew.
So reflections after the first game:
– Really pleased to see how many chances and touches in the Brighton half we had. On another day could have converted.
– Defensive lapses will get punished at this level, terrible cliche I know
– Encouraging debut from the keeper, Kabore looked quality bombing down the wing, Brown lively when he came on, and Ogbene is quick! Deliveries from Giles improved as the game went on.
– Midfield struggled as the game went on but more a reflection on the opposition than any deficiencies for the Town. Perhaps as it was the first game we were a bit too adventurous, which is why Brighton had a few chances.
– If you’re going to build a stadium several miles outside the city centre, and declare it a public transport destination, do make sure the trains run. And if they don’t, how about laying on some extra buses. Overriding feeling getting back to Luton just before midnight due to the nonsense on the tracks was thank God our outstanding owners have chosen a town centre stadium.
And so on to Chelsea in a couple of weeks.
COYH.
Benno