Chelsea FC have successfully redeemed themselves from their 3-1 defeat at West Ham United. The Blues left no stone unturned in their 3-0 win over promoted Luton Town
Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino made just one change to his starting eleven after the 3-1 defeat at West Ham United. New summer signing Caidedo replaced goalscorer Chukwuemeka.
It was only Luton Town’s second game of the season after a 4-1 defeat to Brighton following a two-week break. The previous week’s home game had to be cancelled due to rebuilding work at Kenilworth Road. Coach Rob Edwards made two changes, with Burke starting in central defence in place of Andersen and Barkley also replacing Mpanzu on his debut.
From the start, the game played out as you might expect in advance. Chelsea possessed most of the ball, Luton made situational runs up front but mostly retreated to their own half. Sterling had the first chance of the game after just five minutes, but failed to beat a defender. Shortly afterwards, the England international had another chance, but his powerful shot was too unmarked and landed in the arms of Luton goalkeeper Kaminski(7.).
Sterling with the lead
Again two minutes later Luton also showed themselves in front of the opponent’s goal for the first time. The ex-Bremer Chong benefited from a ball loss by Caicedo, but missed wide (9th). Chelsea combined again and again with fast passages of play through the midfield, for example in the 15th minute when Enzo Fernandez’ long-range shot grazed the crossbar. But the hosts did not have to wait long for the opening goal. After a pass from Gusto, Sterling dribbled through the penalty area before scoring with a well-placed low shot to take the lead (17th).
The Blues had more than 80 per cent of the ball after just over 20 minutes, but then took it a little easier. Instead, Luton showed up in the opposition third, but the onrushing Morris had a nascent opportunity nipped in the bud by a weak first touch (27th). Chelsea did not have a shot on goal after that, but still maintained control of the game for the remaining minutes of the first half. Kaborés’ attempt ultimately remained within a goal’s reach (42nd), so they went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Chelsea miss 2:0 – Sanchez saves
After the break, Chelsea again showed more determination and had a couple of penalty area scenes again, but both Chilwell with a poor decision (50th), Jackson (51st, 54th) and midfielder Enzo Fernandez with a goal against the post (56th) missed the 2-0. On the other side, the promoted side almost equalised, but Sanchez showed a strong reflex after Gusto deflected a shot by Giles (61st).
Sterling and Jackson reward the Blues
In the 68th minute, the Blues made it 2-0. As with the 1-0 lead, Gusto-Sterling again co-produced, this time the Frenchman finding the 28-year-old – who gave Kaminiski no chance with a direct clearance – with a low cross into the middle. Seven minutes later it was 3-0 after Sterling, with his third contribution to the goal, served Jackson, who had run into the middle and was committed throughout the game (75th). Chelsea took it easy after that, but still had a promising chance through Gallagher (84th), as did Luton on the other side through substitute Brown (85th). Nothing more happened after that.
The Blues successfully redeemed themselves from last week’s defeat and celebrated their first win of the current season, while Luton Town also lost their second game in the English top flight.
Both teams have to play in the League Cup during the week. Luton Town host Gillingham FC on Tuesday (8.45pm), while Chelsea host AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday (8.45pm).