This will go down as the day Luton Town, and everyone else, truly believed they could stay in the Premier League as the Hatters demolished Brighton 4-0 with a breathtaking display from start to finish at a raucous Kenilworth Road.
To make it even sweeter, the victory pushed Luton out of the relegation zone.
Elijah Adebayo scored after just 18 seconds, then Chiedozie Ogbene made it 2-0 with just over two minutes on the clock. A stunned Brighton never had an answer as Adebayo scored again before the break and then headed home added another to secure his hat trick early in the second half as Luton secured their biggest top-flight win since 1989.
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Cheered on by captain Tom Lockyer from the stands as he continues his recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch in mid-December 2023, Luton put in an inspired display as Rob Edwards’ side moved out of the bottom three and they also have a game in-hand on their rivals at the bottom of the table.
Luton now have 19 points, while Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton remain on 32 points as their push for a top six finish took a damaging blow and the Italian coach will have harsh words to share with his players.
Hatter-ball has arrived in the Premier League
Luton did this to teams in League One and the Championship. This is nothing new to their fans. Fast counters. Dangerous crosses. Clinical finishing. Punishing tempo. This is the Luton way. This is Hatter-ball. Is has taken this Luton side a few months to truly believe they belong in the Premier League but now they do, they’re a dangerous team. They’ve lost just one of their last eight games in all competitions and Rob Edwards’ side are playing without fear and they are horrible to play against. The way they bullied Brighton was remarkable and Luton are now burying chances and pinning teams in when they have momentum. They’ve moved out of the relegation zone playing their unique style and the best chance they have of staying out of it is doubling down. Who cares if it isn’t pretty. Luton are doing it their own way and nobody will want to play against them. Especially at the Kenny.
Luton vs Brighton player ratings
My word, where do we start? Barkley was superb in midfield. Adebayo and Ogbene electric and clinical in attack. Morris and Clark were unstoppable and every single Luton player deserves high praise.
What’s next?
Luton head to Newcastle on Saturday, Feb. 3, while Brighton host bitter rivals Crystal Palace on the same day.
Luton Town vs Brighton final score: 4-0
Goalscorers: Adebayo 1', 42’, 56'; Ogbene 3'
How to watch Luton vs Brighton live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 2:45pm ET, Tuesday (January 30)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Luton vs Brighton live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: Luton 4-0 Brighton
The thing is, it could have been more for Luton. They were rampant and Brighton had no answer to Luton’s incredible attacking display. The Hatters went for it, were direct and sliced Brighton open on the break and with pinpoint crosses. What a famous win and this could ignite their bid to stay in the Premier League.
Adebayo bags his hat trick - Luton 4-0 Brighton (56th minute, Adebayo)
A corner is flicked on and Adebayo is there to head home. So easy for Luton. Terrible defending from Brighton. Adebayo has his, and Luton’s, first-ever Premier League hat trick.
Luton almost have a fourth
Jordan Clark has the ball in the back of the net but he was flagged offside and VAR has a look. He was just off. No goal.
Half time: Luton 3-0 Brighton
Easily the best half of Premier League football Luton have ever had. 3-0 up and cruising, Brighton don’t know how to defend against this.
Luton score again - Luton 3-0 Brighton (42nd minute, Adebayo)
They’ve done it again. Brighton give it away and Barkley sets up Adebayo to finish. Luton are in dreamland.
Danny Welbeck goes close for Brighton
The veteran is played in down the left and his shot across goal is just wide of the far post. Good response from Brighton. But I think if you look close enough you can see the steam coming out of Roberto De Zerbi’s ears.
It’s 2-0! Ogbene makes the most of a horrendous mistake - Luton 2-0 Brighton (Ogbene, 3rd minute)
Wow. Wow. Wow. Luton have scored another. This time a ball over the top catches out Jason Steele in goal for Brighton and Ogbene gets to the ball first, flicks it around him and taps into an empty net. With 2 minutes and 17 seconds on the clock Luton lead 2-0. Incredible. The home fans can’t believe it. Brighton can’t believe it. I can’t believe it!?
After just 18 seconds Adebayo heads home! - Luton 1-0 Brighton (1st minute, Adebayo)
Oh my word. Luton lead with the first attack of the game. Ogbene crosses from the right, it’s nodded down by Morris and Adebayo is there to head home. 18 seconds! Perfect start for the hosts.
Luton Town starting lineup
Kaminski — Burke, Osho, Bell — Ogbene, Lokonga, Barkley, Doughty — Clark, Adebayo, Morris
Brighton starting lineup
Steele — Igor, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñan — Gilmour, Gross, Milner — Buonanotte, Welbeck, Pedro
Focus on Luton Town, team news
The team is the star for Luton and they are a truly horrible team to play against. In the best way possible. They defend well and then counter with ferocity as set pieces are also a huge focus for them. The duo of Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend have added so much experience in midfield and Luton’s squad now look like they believe they can stay in the Premier League. Nobody enjoys a visit to the Kenny.
OUT: Tom Lockyer (heart), Issa Kabore (undisclosed), Marvelous Nakamba (knee), Mads Andersen (calf)
Focus on Brighton, team news
As mentioned, Brighton’s injury issues have been severe this season but they’re looking a little better as the winter break did them the world of good. Soon they will just have a handful of players out and that should see the Seagulls climb closer to the top four with their swashbuckling style led by the uncompromising De Zerbi who is desperate to deliver a trophy or better their sixth-place finish from last season.
OUT: Ansu Fati (thigh), Julio Enciso (knee), Solly March (knee), Joel Veltman (knee), Kaoru Mitoma (international duty) Simon Adingra (international duty)
