Chelsea FC struggled to a 3-2 win over Luton Town. The favourites twice trailed in the last 16 of the FA Cup but turned the game around thanks to a dominant second half.
Chelsea had missed their first chance to win the cup last Sunday in the League Cup final against Liverpool (10:11 after penalty shootout), so the Blues were left with only the FA Cup as a chance to win a national cup. For the round of 16 against second division side Luton Town, Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel fielded a starting eleven with nine positions changed. Only Rüdiger and Mount were already in the starting line-up against Liverpool. Werner was also allowed to start from the beginning.
Enough talk about the favourites – Luton grabbed the attention from kick-off: the Championship’s sixth-placed side got off to a flying start when Berry struck a corner from the left after less than two minutes. Burke let the ball slip over his head at the first post and directed it into the far corner (2nd). The surprise was perfect: Luton were leading against Chelsea!
Luton’s furious start, however, was put a damper on when keeper Steer was injured while running out and had to be substituted (14th). That the second division club has a worthy substitute in the goalkeeper’s position was to become apparent shortly afterwards. But first Chelsea equalised: Saul received the ball on the penalty line via Werner. The Spaniard took the measure and shot into the bottom right corner (27th).
Cornick shocks Chelsea before break
Chelsea started a period of pressure with several good finishes. However, Isted, now in goal for Luton, thwarted chances from Saul (32nd), Kenedy (33rd) and Lukaku (35th). In the midst of the London pressure, Cornick suddenly found himself alone in front of Kepa. The striker converted safely into the right corner – and again the second division team led (40.).
After the change of ends, the visitors from London played almost exclusively. Only Chelsea’s offensive play lacked precision and so there were no dangerous finishes at first. But then Loftus-Cheek hit a tailor-made ball to Werner, who took the ball with the first contact and finished with the second for the equaliser (68th).
Nothing comes from Luton – Lukaku decides
Luton failed to create any offensive action of their own and instead conceded the next goal a little later: This time Werner laid the ball on for Lukaku, who scored from close range (78.).
The game was turned around and Chelsea now brought the victory over the finish line in a confident and secure manner. More confidently than could have been expected at half-time. Luton made it difficult for the Club World Champions but could not build on their strong first half.
It’s back to league action for both teams next Saturday as Luton face Middlesbrough FC in the Championship (4pm). At the same time, Chelsea FC are guests at Burnley FC.
