Is there a problem with having so many inexperienced players? The wild mood is changing. Not being able to sense trouble approaching is a complete inability. Lack of control when a game turns. As Chelsea’s composure evaporated and Luton surged forward, Thiago Silva appeared to be having an existential crisis, firing cross after cross and threatening to steal the unlikeliest of points.
Mauricio Pochettino’s hope will be that surviving this wild encounter will help his inconsistent offspring grow. They are capable of playing excellent football but they need to realize that there is no room for complacency at this level. Taking control with a fine double from Cole Palmer and a goal from a resurgent Noni Madueke, Chelsea almost paid a heavy price for the mistake of thinking Luton would give up after losing 3-0.
Relating to: Mauricio Pochettino relieved after Chelsea resist Luton
Luton’s resilience is no secret. Rob Edwards’ side have already beaten Newcastle at home, drawn against Liverpool and given Arsenal and Manchester City a run for their money. They stay in the final three, but they never go to bed. They showed Chelsea that winning games when everything is going well requires more than just playing your part.
The difference in the final 20 minutes, as Luton responded with goals from Elijah Adebayo and Ross Barkley, was that Chelsea relaxed. They suffered because they stopped blocking Luton’s passes. Silva, Chelsea’s most experienced player, was shouting at his team-mates to wake up as the match entered six minutes of extra time when another ball flashed across the six-yard area.
Still, although Chelsea have not kept a clean sheet away from home since October 2, they have at least ended a dismal year by ending a run of four consecutive defeats away from home. Despite questions about his team’s leadership, Pochettino saw his young side learn and gain valuable momentum in the first 70 minutes.
Chelsea remain in 10th place, with the top four still out of reach and this was the first time they have won back-to-back league games since early October. Talent undoubtedly lurks in this squad. Consistency?
For 70 minutes, this was a step in the right direction. Chelsea took control from the start and Madueke, who was preferred over Raheem Sterling after his goal against Crystal Palace, immediately looked dangerous down the right wing. Conor Gallagher tested Thomas Kaminski from close range.
Financial discord described. Armando Broja is keen to prove Chelsea don’t need to sign a new striker in January and he has made the first impression. Nicolas Jackson caused problems on the left wing.
Barkley, full of tricks and jabs at his former side, tried to level Luton with smooth returns. However, this self-confidence was not for everyone. Returning from suspension 12 minutes later, Palmer turned and pushed Jackson away.
Jackson fired at Kaminski from a tight angle. Issa Kaboré passed the ball back to Palmer. In this age where we play from behind, sometimes the hoof can be useful. Palmer punished the defender by shooting into the far corner.
Chelsea survived the short-term pressure and took a 2-0 lead shortly before half-time. It all felt so easy when Levi Colwill advanced down the left and Palmer found Madueke. Amari’i got Bell to his feet and tried to cut inside, then came out, surprising the defender and creating space for Kaminski’s right-foot shot that rose powerfully inside his near post.
Luton had a more urgent situation after two half-time substitutions; Chiedozie Ogbene and Tahith Chong replaced Jacob Brown and Kaboré, but Chelsea remained in control. Djordje Petrovic was manning the goal and making repeated crosses. Jackson, who was on his way to represent Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, deceived a defender before sending Palmer to round Kaminski and slot the ball into the net.
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Luton somehow roared at Chelsea. Adebayo headed towards the post and the goal did not count. Axel Disasi collapsed next to Silva. Chelsea’s full-backs Malo Gusto and Colwill were starting to feel dizzy. Barkley finally achieved his goal and headed for the corner.
Petrovic made a stunning stop in front of substitute Carlton Morris. Ogbene scored another goal when he crossed from Alfie Doughty but Adebayo headed in the rebound. Luton made it even more physical by pushing again. The mids kept coming. Chelsea finally relented.