Luton’s practice pays off as Ogbene selects Brown for Town’s game-winning goal.
The attacker provides the ideal assist in the 2-1 victory.
When Town’s practice paid off on Saturday, attacking forward Chiedozie Ogbene was happy to set up the game-winning goal in the Hatters’ 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace.
After some excellent midfield movement by Tahith Chong and Ross Barkley, Ogbene—who had just switched to right wingback due to Alfie Doughty’s withdrawal—received the ball with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
The Eagles’ defender Joachim Andersen and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone were left completely perplexed as he proceeded to whip in a wonderful low cross, which allowed Jacob Brown to glide in and score what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
The Irish international, who had been doubtful due to injury before the match, said: “It was good play and we were able to get out.” It was a strike right out of the training ground.
“I was actually looking for Eli (Elijah Adebayo) at the back post because I saw him waving, but Browny stormed in. Ross draws defenders to him and he was able to play me in.”
“That’s what we practice every time; just place it in strategic spots and send players racing into the box; the second goal demonstrates exactly what we’ve been working on in training.
“We can replicate it in a match-day scenario, which makes me very happy and hopefully gives us confidence that we can continue with that and achieve our goals.”
Although most spectators seemed to think that Brown had done admirably to take advantage of an error from the Eagles’ defense in order to score his first goal for the team, head coach Rob Edwards disagreed.
“It’s not a gamble, that’s something we’re working on, and we have to keep working on it,” he said. Running through the defense, the back line, and the lines to reach the spot for a one-touch finish.
“He made a run that let Chieo play the ball. Should Browny fail to complete the run, Chieo will likely need to run on with his head down.
What a fantastic ball it was. Prior to that, Chongy did an absolutely fantastic job of releasing Chieo.
It was a wonderful goal even though Browny made the run for Chieo to play his fantastic ball.
Speaking about the goal himself, Brown stated, “We worked on it through the week as the way we wanted to play, we needed to get out wide and get the balls across the box.” Brown knew exactly what to do the moment he saw Ogbene look up and get ready to deliver.
“So, as soon as Chieo understood, I knew where I needed to be, and it feels even better to work on something that way and have it pay off.
The cross was so excellent that neither the goalkeeper nor the defender wanted to touch it for fear of scoring an own goal. As a result, it just sat there for me to tap in.
“I won’t be upset if he can continue doing it. Chi has been amazing this season, and I have to praise him for that one because his ball was excellent.
Jacob has shown a great deal of patience, and Ogbene noted that even though Brown had just been on for four minutes, it was important that he was still aware of the previous strategy.
He had a strong season debut, left the team, and continues to train exceptionally well.
“He’s a really professional player, and I’m thrilled for him to score that goal. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and wait for your turn, but he wasn’t willing to wait.” He ran in the box, acting appropriately, and I’m glad he got rewarded.
