Chelsea were steamrolling Luton Town for 80 minutes but then let their opponents come near a sensational comeback with a relaxed final ten minutes. Still, they claimed the win thanks to an outstanding display from Cole Palmer. The English international scored in each half as the Blues beat Luton’s 3-2 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea dominated the first half, holding a comfortable two-goal lead at halftime, with Palmer and Noni Madueke on target. Luton attempted a change in formation to bolster their attack but were met with resilient Chelsea defence. The first half ended with Chelsea maintaining their strong performance, holding a lead without having been behind at halftime in any Premier League match this season.
Palmer, with his seventh goal of the season, matched Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea’s top Premier League goal scorer, already equaling last season’s top scorer, Kai Havertz. Luton struggled defensively, leading to a goal by Palmer after a poor clearance. The former Manchester City man exhibited composure and quality, finishing with two clinical goals.
Chelsea displayed a superior performance for most of the game – but not all of it. As it happens to them far too often, they let their guard down.
After a chalked off goal by Elijah Adebayo was only a preview. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s players didn’t take heed, and Luton continued to attack and managed to get to a nervy ending. Former Chelsea player Ross Barkley and Adebayo scored in the space of six minutes to give their fans a day they will certainly remember, regardless of the outcome.
Still, Chelsea managed to survive and claim three points.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 20SaturdayLuton Town – Chelsea 2-3 (0-2)/Barkley 80, Adebayo 87 – Palmer 12, 70, Madueke 37/18:00: (1.40) Aston Villa (5.00) Burnley (9.00)18:00: (2.25) Crystal Palace (3.45) Brentford (3.45)18:00: (1.10) Man.City (13.0) Sheffield Utd (25.0)18:00: (2.65) Wolverhampton (3.35) Everton (2.85)20:30: (3.35) Nott.Forest (3.45) Man.Utd. (2.15)Sunday17:00: (1.80) Tottenham (3.80) Bournemouth (4.30)17:00: (6.25) Fulham (4.10) Arsenal (1.60)Monday23:00: (1.50) Liverpool (4.50) Newcastle (7.25)Tuesday22:30: (2.50) West Ham (3.45) Brighton (2.75)***odds are subject to change***