Brentford v Luton LIVE: Premier League result as Bees hold off Hatters
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Brentford vs Luton LIVE: Premier League updates
Brentford beat Luton 3-1 in the Premier League
FULL-TIME! Brentford 3-1 Luton
81’ - GOAL! Baptiste nets rebound to seal Brentford win (BRE 3-1 LUT)
76’ - GOAL! Brown pulls one back for Luton (BRE 2-1 LUT)
49’ - GOAL! Maupay finishes off swift counter-attack (BRE 1-0 LUT)
Brentford FC 3 - 1 Luton Town FC
Brentford vs Luton Town
17:07
Following a tepid first half, devoid of chances or inspiration, scoring three of four goals during the second sees Brentford return to winning ways at Luton Town's expense. The Bees totally dominated possession, and when they added a clinical edge shortly after the interval, that was enough to take them two goals clear heading into the final 15 minutes. Luton's late strike threatened to set up a grandstand finale, but when Baptiste finished decisively from close range, all three points were wrapped up for Thomas Frank's side, who now move back into the top half of the Premier League table. Still waiting for their first clean sheet of the season, the Hatters host in-form Arsenal on Tuesday, while Brentford travel south to Brighton one day later. That's all from West London today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:59
FULL-TIME: BRENTFORD 3-1 LUTON TOWN
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:58
MISS! After Janelt's cutback is struck goalward by Onyeka then bounces out to Lewis-Potter, at the second attempt, the substitute striker prods a shot over the crossbar from close range! He was under some pressure, but that's a decent chance spurned.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:55
Sensibly, Brentford have used the break in play for Maupay's withdrawal to kill Luton's momentum. The home side are now retaining possession in midfield, aiming to run down the clock.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:53
In the second of at least eight additional minutes indicated by the officials, Maupay departs, having scored a crucial goal earlier on. Replacing him, Peart-Harris is given a rare taste of Premier League football.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:51
CLOSE! Barkley's free-kick from near the left byline is headed away by the first defender, then a ball in from Townsend on the right is flicked home by Chong's deft header. However, the flag is instantly raised for offside - no goal! It was a tight call, but the right one.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:50
Brentford can't clear the ball now, as Adebayo's nod-down at the back post causes a moment of concern in the Bees' box. For the first time today, Luton are totally on top - but is it too late?
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:47
Luton force successive corners, proving they've not given up on salvaging something from this game. Set-pieces certainly seem their best route back in.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:47
Again running out of steam late on, Luton Town have now conceded seven goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half this season - only Sheffield United (12) have shipped more in the Premier League. It's also the sixth time a substitute has scored against them.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:42
Goal Shandon Harkeem Baptiste
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:42
Although Brentford have had 20 attempts, only four have been guided on target. With one goal from one effort, Luton have got themselves back into contention for an unlikely point. It sets us up for a fascinating finale.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:41
Yellow Card Christian Thers Nørgaard
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:37
Substitution Bryan Tetsadong Marceau Mbeumo Keane William Lewis-Potter
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:37
Substitution Sayed Saman Ghoddos Mads Roerslev Rasmussen
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:36
Due to a knee injury, Mengi's game is over, forcing Edwards to make his fifth and final change: Giles is sent on.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:36
Goal Jacob Samuel Brown
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:35
Unchallenged, Kaminski claims Mbeumo's latest corner kick inside his six-yard box, with the injured Mengi still struggling to walk steadily by the side of the pitch.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:32
Mengi scrambles back to prevent Wissa shooting from the left side of the area, but after making a brilliant last-ditch block, the Luton defender seems to have jarred his knee. The medics are coming on to assess him.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:30
Brentford's sixth corner is played short from the right, but following an elaborate build-up, nothing comes of it and the Bees must build again from near the halfway line.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:30
Substitution Yehor Yarmoliuk Shandon Harkeem Baptiste
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:29
Somehow, Brentford managed to increase their substantial share of possession over the first 15 minutes of the second half to 81 per cent. Since scoring their second goal, though, they've slightly taken their foot off the gas.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:27
Another set-piece delivery by Mbeumo is hung up to the back post, but Pinnock's attempted header is blocked at close quarters; Luton then clear the ball. They're still hanging on here, looking a million miles from getting themselves back into this game.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:25
Onyeka's driving run through the centre is only ended just outside Luton's area by a rugged block from Mengi. The referee has no problem with the defender's challenge, so play continues.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:22
After Brown concedes a corner, Mbeumo's latest cross into the box almost finds Mee again; then Ghoddos reacts first on the follow-up, striking a bouncing ball well over the crossbar.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:20
Substitution Carlton John Morris Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:20
Substitution Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu Jordan Charles Clark
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:17
MISS! Coming so close to scoring his first Brentford goal, Onyeka profits from a weak clearance to pick up the ball 20 yards from goal, then sends his shot just wide of the target!
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:17
Assist Bryan Tetsadong Marceau Mbeumo
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:15
Brown covers across to block off a diving header from near the penalty spot by Yarmoliuk, as the home side press on in search of a second goal. Luton are firmly on the back foot now.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:10
It looks like Luton have stuck to the same setup despite Lockyer's absence, with Morris taking the armband. They defended particularly well before the break, so Edwards will have been reluctant to change anything.
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:10
Goal Neal Maupay
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:10
Yellow Card Tahith Jose Girigorio Djorkaef Chong
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:08
Brentford kick off, and we are back under way in West London!
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:05
Substitution Thomas Alun Lockyer Jacob Samuel Brown
Brentford vs Luton Town
16:05
Luton have now failed to score a first-half goal in 13 of their 14 Premier League games, more often than any other team in the English top flight this season. However, the Hatters have netted a league-high 83 per cent of their goals during the second half, with eight coming in the final 15 minutes - Brentford beware!
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:55
Lacking much in the way of spectacle, but certainly not short of endeavour from both sides, a first half bereft of clear-cut goal chances ends with the scores still level. Brentford may have totally dominated possession - having no less than 77 per cent - but they have struggled to carve open an obdurate Luton team happy to suffer long spells without the ball. Mbeumo has been the brightest spark, but the Cameroon international's radar has been off when it comes to shots on goal.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:51
HALF-TIME: BRENTFORD 0-0 LUTON TOWN
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:49
In the first minute of at least two added on for stoppages, Maupay swivels and strikes the ball from 20 yards out. It's sliced well over the top, though, and it seems the first half will end goalless.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:49
Following a flick off Mengi's head in the Luton area, Kabore deflects the ball on to his own arm, prompting Brentford's fans to appeal for a penalty. However, neither the referee nor VAR are interested, so the game goes on.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:46
Ghoddos swings a cross over from the right flank, but it hangs a little too high, and Kaminski plucks the ball out of the air without any trouble. The hosts' pressure continues, but Luton are standing firm so far.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:44
A mazy out-to-in run by Wissa ends with a rather tame shot at goal from just outside Luton's area, allowing Kaminski to make a simple save in the centre of his goal.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:42
CLOSE! Peeling away from his marker on the right, Mbeumo then powers inside to shoot from around 20 yards out, sending the ball flashing wide of the left-hand post via a deflection! If anyone can break the deadlock in West London, surely it's the Bees' skilful winger.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:40
Yellow Card Thomas Kaminski
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:39
Helping out Bell, Ogbene stays alert to cover Mbeumo's run to the right byline, shepherding Brentford's danger man out of play with some determined defending.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:37
With a welcome touch of composure, Barkley spreads the play out wide and sets up a Luton counter-attack down the right. However, Mee ultimately gets the ball clear and Brentford are back on the ball.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:35
After Bell brings down the increasingly influential Mbeumo, the latter's mishit free-kick towards the box is initially cleared away from danger by Luton's defence - but Brentford regain possession and continue to press for an opening goal.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:33
Mbeumo cushions the ball with his first touch, then drives inside from the right. He then opens up an angle to shoot, but when he lets fly from the edge of the area, the ball is sent spinning well over the crossbar.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:32
WIDE! The first serious shot at goal finally arrives, as Yarmoliuk thumps a deflected effort wide of the left-hand post following Janelt's cutback. That's a little better from Brentford!
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:30
Caught out of position, Flekken is beaten by the flight of a cross from the right, and Luton have to concede a corner. Brentford will have a welcome set-piece opportunity.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:29
Luton Town are winless in 10 league visits to Brentford since a 2-1 win in England's second tier back in September 1992. Although they've posed no threat today, the Hatters are still very much in contention to end that barren spell.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:27
Norgaard hurls in a long throw from the left, which is flicked on towards Maupay in the six-yard box. The latter's looping header drops straight into Kaminski's waiting gloves, though. That's as close as we've come to a goal - and it wasn't that close!
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:23
It remains rather aimless from Brentford at the moment, and they are perhaps not accustomed to dominating the ball as much as this in the Premier League - can the Bees start to create some chances now?
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:21
After Janelt concedes a corner on the left, Barkley delivers an outswinging ball towards the penalty spot. However, Pinnock leaps highest and heads the ball well clear of danger.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:19
Ogbene and then Chong draw fouls in midfield, as Luton try to edge forward with a counter-attack. They've yet to breach Brentford's box, having shown almost zero ambition to do so.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:17
Mbeumo's loose touch on the right touchline allows Bell in to steal the ball, and the Brentford striker then compounds his error by bringing down the Luton full-back and conceding a free-kick.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:14
Over the opening minutes, Brentford have had an incredible 84 per cent share of possession, but they've yet to carve their obdurate opponents open.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:13
Brentford are still bossing the ball, but they are being met with stiff resistance from the Luton back line. As the Hatters are one of only four sides yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season, they'll be determined to hold out for 90 minutes today.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:11
The hosts are now beginning to find their rhythm, stroking the ball about with purpose in midfield, as their visitors drop back and defend deep inside their own half - that could be the pattern for much of today's game.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:08
Following further treatment, Lockyer is passed fit to continue, and he jogs back into his position at the heart of Luton's back three. It's been a disjointed start to the match so far.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:06
Having taken a blow on the back from Norgaard, Lockyer has to limp over to the touchline, and he remains absent from the Luton defence as the game now resumes.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:05
After Lockyer is penalised for blatantly fouling Maupay within moments of kick-off, the Luton captain's eventful start to the game continues as he is then left writhing on the turf and requires medical treatment.
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:02
Luton Town kick off, and we are under way in Brentford!
Brentford vs Luton Town
15:02
In overcast, chilly conditions, the players file out on to the pitch: kick-off is now just moments away!
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:54
Meanwhile, Luton's Rob Edwards has made two switches following last week's win over Crystal Palace: Alfie Doughty and Andros Townsend make way; Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore is back following concussion and Tahith Chong comes into midfield. Marvelous Nakamba, Cauley Woodrow, Dan Potts and Albert Sambi Lokonga are among the Hatters' injury absentees.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:54
Brentford boss Thomas Frank makes one change to the starting XI that lined up against Arsenal, as on-loan striker Neal Maupay replaces a defender, Saman Ghoddos - that indicates a change in formation. Mikkel Damsgaard, Mathias Jensen, Nathan Collins, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva all remain sidelined, alongside the suspended Ivan Toney.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:46
SUBS: Tim Krul, Jacob Brown, Zack Nelson, Elijah Adebayo, Ryan Giles, Andros Townsend, Luke Berry, Joe Johnson, Jordan Clark.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:46
LUTON TOWN (3-4-2-1): Thomas Kaminski; Teden Mengi, Tom Lockyer, Gabriel Osho; Issa Kabore, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Ross Barkley, Amari'i Bell; Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene; Carlton Morris.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:41
SUBS: Thomas Strakosha, Michael Olakigbe, Mads Roerslev, Charlie Goode, Saman Ghoddos, Keane Lewis-Potter, Mathias Jorgensen, Shandon Baptiste, Myles Peart-Harris.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:41
BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Mark Flekken; Kristoffer Ajer, Ethan Pinnock, Ben Mee, Vitaly Janelt; Frank Onyeka, Christian Norgaard, Yehor Yarmoliuk; Bryan Mbeumo, Neal Maupay, Yoane Wissa.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:37
A dramatic finale saw Luton Town run out 2-1 winners against Crystal Palace last weekend, marking the first time since the 1991-92 season that the Hatters have won a top-flight fixture at Kenilworth Road. Having inched further clear of the relegation zone with their first-ever Premier League home victory, Luton now tackle a side that have dominated them for several years: they've lost on five of their last six visits to Brentford, where they last tasted success some 21 years ago.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:37
After failing to score in a Premier League home game for the first time this year, during last week's 1-0 defeat to London rivals Arsenal, Brentford lost their grip on a top-half spot in the Premier League table. Now occupying 11th place, the Bees are not only aiming to avoid a third successive league loss but also to score their first goal since early November. However, ahead of today's contest, only two of their eight home fixtures this term have ended in victory.
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:33
Hello and welcome to today's Premier League clash between Brentford and Luton Town at the Gtech Community Stadium!
Brentford vs Luton Town
14:00
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
