Luton 2-3 Chelsea: Cole Palmer double earns three points for Blues despite late Hatters fightback
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Updated 30/12/2023 at 17:38 GMT
Chelsea were made to sweat at the end of a thrilling game at Kenilworth Road as Luton threatened a remarkable comeback from 3-0 down. Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke put the Blues in control before Palmer added a second after the break. However, Chelsea old boy Ross Barkley and Elijah Adebayo set up a grand stand finish but Mauricio Pochettino's side held on.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Chelsea FC at Kenilworth Road on December 30, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Cole Palmer starred as Chelsea held off a late Luton Town rally to conclude a disappointing 2023 on a positive note courtesy of a rollercoaster 3-2 victory at Kenilworth Road.
The Blues have largely underachieved despite heavy investment in the squad and there was more evidence of how much work still needs to be done following a Jeckyll and Hyde display.
Palmer set the ball rolling when he punished an error by Issa Kabore with a clinical strike to mark his return from suspension in style on 12 minutes.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men dealt well with a succession of Luton set pieces and then doubled their advantage on 37 minutes when Noni Madueke scorched a rising strike past Thomas Kaminski at his near post.
Rob Edwards’ hosts were much-improved following the break but were undone again 20 minutes from time when some magical foot work from Palmer saw him all-but secure the points.
Luton had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up soon after but did pull one back on 80 minutes when Ross Barkley headed in a corner.
The home team then set up a barnstorming finale when Elijah Adebayo tapped in a rebound three minutes from time, but they could not muster a sensational equaliser despite incessant, late pressure.
The result sees Chelsea consolidate 10th spot in the standings, just three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.
Luton stay 18th and miss the chance to climb out of the drop zone.
Chelsea will now turn their focus to an FA Cup third round clash with at home to Preston next Saturday. Luton host Bolton in the same competition on Sunday.
Talking Point – Chelsea hang on after Luton threaten a classic recovery
For three quarters of the contest this was the sort of performance Pochettino has been craving. His players controlled the tempo, defended as a unit and were clinical in front of goal.
There were few signs of the trouble The Hatters had caused the likes of Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal at Kenilworth Road this season – but then it all changed. he home side threw caution to the wind and almost came away with a sensational point.
For Chelsea, the game perhaps offers a microcosm of their current standing with so much promise juxtaposed by some naivety and a knack for allowing momentum to drain away when they are in command. Will 2024 be more consistent? Well it remains to be seen but many Chelsea fans will already feel it can’t be much worse than 2023.
Player of the match
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) The playmaker continues to thrive since swapping the fringes of the Man City side for an integral role under Poch. A brace and an assist once again demonstrated how he has become a key component of Chelsea’s attack.
Player Ratings
LUTON: Kaminski 7, Kabore 6, Bell 7, Mengi 7, Osho 7, Doughty 7, Lokonga 7, Barkley 8, Townsend 7, Adebayo 8, Brown 6. Subs: Chong 8, Ogbene 8, Morris 7, Woodrow n/a.
CHELSEA: Petrovic 8, Gusto 7, Colwill 7, Disasi 7, Silva 8, Caicedo 6, Gallagher 7, Madueke 8, Palmer 9, Jackson 6, Broja 6. Subs: Nkunku 6, Fernandez n/a, Gilchrist n/a.
Match Highlights
12’ – GOAL! – Luton 0-1 Chelsea: (Palmer). Kaminski makes another smart save from Jackson, but Kabore makes a hash of the clearance and Palmer fizzes a clinical low strike into the far corner.
37’ – GOAL! – Luton 0-2 Chelsea: (Madueke). The visitors double their advantage as Madueke collects Palmer's pass and rifles a rising shot past Kaminski at his near post.
70’ – GOAL! – Luton 0-3 Chelsea: (Palmer). It's Palmer at the double. The youngster races on to Jackson's superb pass, outfoxes the keeper before bamboozling a couple of defenders on the line to coolly roll home.
78’ – GOAL! – Luton 1-3 Chelsea: (Barkley). The Hatters finally get their goal as Barkley powers home a header from a right-wing corner.
86’ – LUTON CHANCE! Petrovic gets the merest of fingertips to Morris' bullet header to tip it on to the bar.
87’ – GOAL! – Luton 2-3 Chelsea: (Adebayo). Hold the phone! Adebayo taps in the rebound after Doughty's header from Ogbene's cross was brilliantly saved by Petrovic.
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