Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Luton scored twice in the opening two minutes and 17 seconds en route to a stunning 4-0 win against Brighton at Kenilworth Road.
Aided by a superb hat-trick from striker Elijah Adebayo, this was comfortably the hosts’ biggest Premier League win and their most commanding performance.
It was earned in swashbuckling style as they dismissed an insipid Brighton to move out of the relegation zone for the first time in nearly two months.
Chiedozie Ogbene also netted during a first half in which Roberto De Zerbi’s side simply could not cope with what came their way, a shadow of the team that won the corresponding fixture 4-1 on the opening weekend.
Luton Town FC 4 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:53
A night to remember at Luton Town's inimitable Kenilworth Road headquarters sees the Hatters thump Brighton 4-0, thanks in part to an Adebayo hat-trick. The striker's first goal came within 20 seconds of kick-off, and Luton led by two soon after, before adding another just before the break. The Seagulls were left floored when he struck his third just ahead of the hour mark, and they never really recovered, managing only two shots on target throughout. A masterclass by Edwards caught out the much-feted De Zerbi, and his side now sit outside the Premier League's relegation zone by a point. Brighton, meanwhile, occupy eighth place, having failed to score in four of their last six matches. Buoyed by such a stunning result, Luton will visit Newcastle United on Saturday, when Brighton host bitter rivals Crystal Palace. That's all from today's live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:45
FULL-TIME: LUTON TOWN 4-0 BRIGHTON
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:44
Lamptey and Gross combine on the edge of the area, but Osho emerges with the ball and strides forward to set Luton off on a counter-attack. Almost every player on the home side has contributed to an excellent performance today.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:42
There are to be at least four minutes of stoppage time at the end of this game, which well-beaten Brighton would be glad to finish right now.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:41
In a week that saw him linked with some of the most presitigious jobs in European football, this will be a sobering defeat for De Zerbi. His team have simply not turned up today, while their hosts have been brilliant.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:38
The story remains similar, as Brighton are having plenty of the ball inside their own half, but Luton's relentless pressure is preventing them from progressing up the pitch. The Hatters have shown admirable fitness and application.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:37
Having won their first two away league games by an aggregate score of 7-2 this season, Brighton have won only one of the next nine. If today's game ends 4-0, they’ll have conceded 21 goals in the process, netting just nine times in reply.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:33
STEELE SAVES! Morris is slipped in by Barkley on the left side of the area, but Brighton's goalkeeper is equal to the striker's low shot and repels the ball to safety! Steele stops Brighton conceding a fifth goal, limiting the damage at least a little.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:31
Substitution Carlton John Morris Cauley Woodrow
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:31
Substitution Ross Barkley Luke David Berry
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:29
Ending a rare spell of Brighton pressure, Lamptey fails to execute a flick over his marker's head following Hinshelwood's throw-in, sending the ball behind for a Luton goal-kick. That sums up the Seagulls' fortunes today.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:28
SUPER SAVE! Called into action at last, Kaminski flings himself left to tip away a firm strike at goal by Welbeck! The Brighton striker profited from a lucky bounce to receive the ball just outside the box, then aimed for the bottom-right corner!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:25
Ogbene again beats Igor on the right, then his layoff finds Morris, who fires over the crossbar from 15 yards. The flag goes up for offside in any case, but Luton are not resting on their laurels.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:22
Yellow Card Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:22
A brief stoppage for Joao Pedro to receive treatment is quickly concluded, and the action resumes. Luton have just 20 minutes to see out - and with quite a cushion in their favour.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:20
Substitution Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo Tahith Jose Girigorio Djorkaef Chong
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:19
Substitution João Pedro Junqueira de Jesus Jakub Piotr Moder
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:18
Having sprinted past one opponent and then been brushed by Igor inside the box, Ogbene topples over and claims for a penalty: the referee and the VAR concur that no spot-kick should be awarded. Nonetheless, the Republic of Ireland winger has been a thorn in Brighton's side today.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:17
Substitution Jordan Charles Clark Andros Darryl Townsend
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:17
Substitution Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:14
The action is taking place in a congested midfield now, as Luton aim to suffocate their opponents and see out this game. They're on course for a famous win here.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:13
Yellow Card Jordan Charles Clark
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:11
Brighton are taking better care of the ball now, but they are still making precious little progress. Luton have them penned inside their own half, with the Kenilworth Road crowd confidently singing about how their club are bound to stay up.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:10
Adebayo's eighth league goal of the season confirms him as Luton's top scorer, and it's been quite a game for the Hatters' hitman. Brighton have simply had no answer to him today.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:10
Substitution Billy Clifford Gilmour Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:05
Covering his goalkeeper, Dunk dives in to head away a powerful shot by Ogbene, with Steele scrambling across behind him. That'll be a Luton corner.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:04
Goal Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:04
Lacking options, Steele hangs on to the ball for a while before aimlessly booting the ball long. Brighton seem lost for ideas, as Luton continue to close down their visitors at every angle - Edwards' game-plan is working perfectly.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:02
Showing some much-needed fight, Joao Pedro gets away from Barkley and then drives a shot at Bell, earning his side a corner-kick on the right. However, it ultimately comes to nothing.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
21:00
GOAL RULED OUT! Although Clark steers in what appears to be Luton's fourth goal, celebrations are quickly cut short by the assistant's raised flag. A brief VAR check confirms that he was offside, so it stays 3-0.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:59
Being closed down by Lamptey on the edge of Brighton's box, Ogbene tries his luck with a low shot that lacks sufficient pace to trouble Steele. Still, Luton have come out of the traps in similar style to the first half.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:55
Substitution Pervis Josué Estupiñán Tenorio Tariq Kwame Nii-Lante Lamptey
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:55
Substitution Facundo Valentín Buonanotte Evan Joe Ferguson
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:55
Luton Town kick off, and we are back under way!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:47
Not only does Brighton's Premier League goal drought go on - the Seagulls last scored a top-flight goal in December - but they are yet to win from behind in the league this season. Given their arrears today, improving a record of four draws and four losses when trailing at half-time is surely beyond them.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:44
A remarkable first half at Kenilworth Road ends with the home side leading 3-0, having stormed two goals ahead within three minutes. Luton were out of the blocks before Brighton could blink, as Adebayo headed home from close range, before Ogbene beat Steele to prod into the net just moments later. While the visitors slightly steadied the ship thereafter, there was more pressure from the Hatters ahead of Adebayo's second strike shortly before the break. While Brighton now have a mountain to climb, their hosts have an enviable advantage to protect during the second half.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:38
HALF-TIME: LUTON TOWN 3-0 BRIGHTON
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:37
Gilmour lashes over the crossbar with a shot from outside the box, as Brighton's latest attempt to reduce their deficit comes to nothing. De Zerbi has a big team talk coming up during the break.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:36
There are to be at least five minutes of additional time at the end of this eventful first half. Will we be treated to any more goals? Neither side seems too interested in sitting back.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:35
Luton have been ruthlessly efficient today, as they've scored three times from four shots on target so far. It's hard to argue that they're not good value for such a lead, though. Surely this is their best performance since promotion?
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:30
Morris almost slips a cute throughball into Brighton's box, but it's cut out by Hinshelwood. The latter's raking ball forward for Estupinan, though, is overhit and skips out of play for a Luton throw-in.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:30
Assist Ross Barkley
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:28
Bells upends Buonanotte, conceding a free-kick just over 20 yards from his own goal. Gross steps up to it, and elects to hang a ball up towards the back post, but after Hinshelwood's nod-down fails to find a team-mate, it is cleared away to safety.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:25
A few yards from the left side of the area, Barkley curls a fairly tame free-kick at the target, causing Steele to turn the ball behind for another Luton corner. Brighton are under pressure here.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:24
There's nobody in the six-yard box to meet a teasing low cross by Clark from the right, as Luton go forward again. The Hatters have certainly not sat back since streaking two goals ahead.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:22
First, Buonanotte misplaces a throughball to end Brighton's attack at one end; then, Luton counter quickly and Adebayo wins a corner-kick on the left. Doughty's delivery is cleared behind for another corner.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:21
Only three of Brighton's last 15 league games have seen the Seagulls succeed, and they are outsiders to take three points from this one now. Getting at least one goal back before the break would aid their cause, though.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:18
Shortly after being booked, Lokonga is over-eager in his attempt to steal the ball from Gross in midfield and topples his opponent. He's playing a risky game at the moment, and the referee will surely have noted that foul.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:17
Gross first sees a shot from 20 yards charged down, then Joao Pedro recovers the ball and lays it back to the German midfielder. However, his second effort harmlessly loops up towards Kaminski. Luton's resistance remains strong.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:13
SAVE! Again, Barkley is the creator, as he finds Clark inside the area, before the latter unleashes a shot that requires Steele to dive down and tip it away! That could so easily have been three for Luton!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:12
Yellow Card Albert-Mboyo Sambi Lokonga
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:11
After Barkley rolls a pass across the edge of the Brighton box, Igor closes down Burke's shot from 20 yards and it spins behind for a corner.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:09
Following their horror start to today's game, Brighton have conceded 18 first-half goals in 22 Premier League games this season, and only Burnley (19) have leaked more before the break.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:07
Substitution James Philip Milner Jack Luca Hinshelwood
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:05
As Luton re-start play with a free-kick by Barkley - which just fails to pick out Doughty on the left - Milner stands on the touchline and is surprisingly ready to return. He'll try to run off his injury and continue.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:04
Milner is left lying on the turf, with a pained grimace on his face. The game comes to a halt as the veteran receives some treatment from Brighton's medics - it looks doubtful that he'll carry on.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:01
CLOSE! After escaping down the left flank, Welbeck then drives inside and - with the angle narrowing - drills a low shot just a few inches wide of the right-hand post! Kaminski was diving down at full stretch, but ultimately wasn't required.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
20:00
Yellow Card Igor Julio dos Santos de Paulo
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:59
Having started so sluggishly, Brighton are slowly regaining their composure now, as they take better care of the ball and build through the thirds. For the first time, Luton are pushed back.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:59
Persistent play from Milner - playing his 634th Premier League game today - opens up Luton and ultimately earns his side a corner-kick. However, following the set-piece, Gross leans back and fires over from outside the box.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:57
Brighton have now conceded six goals in the first 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season, and no team has shipped more during that time period.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:55
Welbeck slides in to meet a low throughball by Joao Pedro at the back post, but the ex-Arsenal striker can't quite make contact, as Brighton's first serious attack comes to nothing - they've got a long way to come back from here.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:50
Goal Chiedozie Somkelechukwu Ogbene
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:48
Goal Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:48
Brighton kick off, and we are under way!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:46
The players emerge from the tunnel and out onto the pitch, and kick-off is now just moments away at Kenilworth Road!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:41
Steele, Dunk, Milner and Welbeck come in to the Brighton team today, as Verbruggen, Webster, Ferguson and Hinshelwood make way. Solly March, Joel Veltman, Julio Enciso and Ansu Fati are all injured, while Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra are still on duty at the Asian Cup and AFCON respectively.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:36
Luton make three changes to the side that started last week's win over Everton, as Kaminski, Clark and Osho all return. While Krul and Townsend drop to the bench, Teden Mengi is not in the squad. Issa Kabore is still away with Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Mads Andersen and Jacob Brown among those sidelined by injury.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:31
SUBS: Bart Verbruggen, Evan Ferguson, Jack Hinshelwood, Tariq Lamptey, Carlos Baleba, Adam Lallana, Jakub Moder, Benicio Boaitey, Adam Webster.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:31
BRIGHTON (4-3-1-2): Jason Steele; Jan-Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Igor, Pervis Estupinan; Pascal Gross, Billy Gilmour, James Milner; Facundo Buonanotte; Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:26
SUBS: Tim Krul, Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, Tahith Chong, Dan Potts, Zack Nelson, Luke Berry, Cauley Woodrow, Andros Townsend, Joe Johnson.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:26
LUTON TOWN (3-4-2-1): Thomas Kaminski; Reece Burke, Gabriel Osho, Amari'i Bell; Chiedozie Ogbene, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ross Barkley, Alfie Doughty; Elijah Adebayo, Jordan Clark; Carlton Morris.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:26
Like Luton, who they beat 4-1 on the Premier League's opening weekend, Brighton also progressed in the cup last time out, crushing top-flight strugglers Sheffield United 5-2 at Bramall Lane. Roberto De Zerbi's men remain in the mix for more European football, occupying seventh place in the standings, but their first two league games of 2024 both finished 0-0 - the high-flying Seagulls didn’t have a single goalless draw in 41 matches last year.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:21
In their first fixture following a mid-season break, Luton Town advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, with a dramatic 2-1 win over Everton. Now four games unbeaten across all competitions, Rob Edwards' side have a one-point deficit to the 17th-placed Toffees in the Premier League table, having played one game fewer. However, the Hatters - who could leave the drop zone by winning today - have kept only one clean sheet at Kenilworth Road so far this term.
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
19:21
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Luton Town and Brighton at Kenilworth Road!
Luton Town vs Brighton & Hove Albion
18:45
Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
