ZIMBABWE international, Marvelous Nakamba was back in English Premier League action on a losing note Saturday as error-prone newcomers Luton suffered a 4-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Nakamba previously featured for Aston Villa before being sidelined by incoming coach Unai Emery and moved to then Championship side, Luton.
In Saturday’s match, Nakamba started in midfield alongside debutant Tahith Chong and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu – who becomes the first player since the inception of the Premier League to play for the same club in the top five divisions in England.
Luton Town assistant manager Paul Trollope, stepping in for manager Rob Edwards who had lost his voice, credited the fans for their support as the Hatters fell to defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion Saturday afternoon.
“It’s not the result we wanted,” said Trollope. “We’ve come away having learned a lot of lessons. I think there were a lot of positives we can take from the game, but we’re not good losers and we don’t want to lose games of football, so we’ll take it on the chin.
“We thought the players’ application and from a tactical point of view, the gameplan was good and we knew we were coming up against a quality team who have been strong, especially at home over the last couple of years.
“I think we were in a really good place in the second half, the fans sensed that as well and were fantastic all afternoon. The reception at the end was brilliant and we will certainly need that support going forward.”
On the 3,000 travelling fans in the away end at the AMEX Stadium, Trollope added: “In the warm-up you could see the passion and the drive they brought to the team, and right through the game.
“The fans know the situation. They know where we are as a football club and we are really thankful for their support. They were wonderful at the end as well, despite a defeat we are not happy with.
“I’d like to reiterate that as well. We aren’t going to pat ourselves on the back having got beaten. That’s not what we are about.
“When we first came in we said about being ambitious and taking the club forward, and we are no different in the Premier League. We respect people, but we certainly don’t fear. We showed that at times today.
They are a good side, but we were bold at times. We took risks and probably on another occasion we may have got a goal or two in that first half that maybe would have changed the game.” – Sports Reporter/Luton Town