Luton’s Premier League bow ended in a heavy loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
The Seagulls took the lead through Solly March after 37 minutes, before Joao Pedro doubled their advantage from the spot after the break.
Carlton Morris scored his own penalty with 10 minutes left, only for late goals from Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson to seal the victory, as to find out how the Hatters players rated on the afternoon, see below.
5. Amari’i Bell: 6
Another who had made a solid start defensively to the contest as Brighton didn’t make the early inroads they had expected. Will learn that he can’t take his eye off the ball for a second though, March escaping his attention to head the Seagulls ahead late in the first half. Unable to ever really affect the game with his driving runs forward from the back as he had done so often in the Championship due to Brighton dominating possession. Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Ryan Giles: 6.5
Was always an outlet on the left hand side for Luton as he looked to whip the ball into the box at every opportunity, 14 crosses out of the 22 Town attempted coming from his boot. Corners were always a danger, Morris’s downward header almost leading to an instant equaliser in the first half, Seagulls keeper Steele with the save. Kept home winger March fairly quiet from open play but Town’s defensive unit will need to tighten up going forward, particularly later in matches. Photo: Liam Smith
7. Marvelous Nakamaba: 6
Back in the top flight once more, although the Zimbabwean international couldn’t ever exert the kind of influence that Town fans were used to seeing in the Championship last term due to the higher quality of opposition. Managed to stop the odd attack and made some good blocks, also having a crack at goal as well. Passing was always neat and tidy, but with Brighton flooding forward, he couldn’t really prevent their flow of attacks through the middle of the pitch. Photo: Liam Smith
8. Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu: 6
Long serving midfielder made history by becoming the first ever player to go from non-league to the top flight when he stepped out on the Amex for Luton’s Premier League bow, an achievement that needs serious praise. Had some promising moments on the left in the first half as Town looked to make a breakthrough, but they were well defended. When Luton were under the cosh for parts of the second period, his error inside his own box gifted Brighton a crucial third and ended any hopes of the Hatters rescuing an unlikely point. Photo: Liam Smith