Brighton defeat Luton 4-1 thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra

Posted : 12 August 2023

Luton's return to the top flight after 31 years ended in a significant defeat, as Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra made successful debuts, contributing a goal each to secure a comfortable victory for Brighton.

Solly March headed in a goal after 35 minutes, and in the second half, Pedro, who was signed for a club-record fee of around £30 million from Watford, converted a penalty following a foul by Luton captain Tom Lockyer.

Luton managed to pull a goal back with nine minutes remaining when last season's top scorer, Carlton Morris, converted a penalty awarded for a handball by Lewis Dunk. However, 21-year-old Ivorian Adingra sealed Brighton's win by capitalizing on a mistake from Luton's Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.

In stoppage time, 18-year-old Ireland international Evan Ferguson tapped in Pervis Estupinan's cross, concluding an impressive start to the campaign for the home team.

Although it was Luton's first Premier League match in almost three decades, Brighton proved to be the deserved victors, despite Luton's commendable performance.

Pedro, 21, had a chance to open the scoring within the first five minutes but missed a clear opportunity from eight yards. Brighton hit the post three times during the match.

Brighton has seen several departures over the summer, including midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to Chelsea, and Ecuador international Moises Caicedo, who is reportedly on the radar of both Chelsea and Liverpool.

Brighton's success since their promotion in 2017 has been built on effective recruitment, allowing them to replace departing players seamlessly. The contributions of Pedro and Adingra in this match suggest that the club's recruitment strategy continues to yield positive results.

Pedro, after a somewhat wasteful start, threatened consistently in the second half and earned a deserved goal through a soft penalty, awarded after Lockyer fouled him in the box.

Winger Adingra, signed in the summer of 2022, showcased his talent after an impressive loan spell at Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, which is also partly owned by Brighton chairman Tony Bloom. Adingra caught attention during pre-season and added vibrancy to the game after replacing March in the 74th minute.

Despite the departures, Brighton retains a reliable core, and the experienced and versatile James Milner's debut at right-back was solid. March, who emerged from the academy and has amassed 276 appearances for Brighton, posed a constant threat, and Ferguson's goal marked a promising beginning as he seeks to build on his debut season's success, which included six goals.

While tougher challenges await, Brighton's impressive start indicates their readiness for the season ahead.

Brighton defeat Luton 4-1 thanks to goals from Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra

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