Danny Welbeck scored on his Chelsea debut as Xabi Alonso’s first competitive game at Stamford Bridge as Blues manager ended in a 2-0 win over League One Luton in the Carabao Cup second round.
With transfer news about Enzo Fernandez and Emiliano Martinez swirling through the air at Stamford Bridge before kick-off, Welbeck’s 50th-minute header to open his Chelsea account showed that not all signings have to be high profile.
Alonso actually named a strong Chelsea squad for this one, with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Reece James all starting in a bid to take the game seriously. They dominated the first half but Palmer and Estevao missed good chances, before Rogers hit the bar with the last kick of the half.
But Welbeck broke Luton’s resistance with a bullet header from Malo Gusto to open his Chelsea account in his 19th season playing in England’s top league.
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His achievements are so impressive that it is worth remembering that he and Luton head coach Jack Wilshere were once Arsenal team-mates.
But it was someone 16 years Welbeck’s junior who sealed the result as Estevao’s silky run and finish ended the contest with 10 minutes to go – though it would go down as a Hakeem Odoffin own goal.
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The result sees Chelsea book a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United in early September, while Wilshere’s Luton lost for the first time in 16 matches in all competitions – which was the longest run out of England’s top four leagues.
The key moments from Stamford Bridge
11: DOUBLE CHANCE! Chelsea start strongly and Palmer has two quickfire efforts saved by Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley.
19: GOOD SAVE! The Chelsea onslaught continues as James’ free-kick is well-saved by Keeley.
39: WIDE! Estevao gets into a good area but drags his effort well wide of goal.
44: SAVE! Luton’s best chance of the first half sees Odoffin head a free-kick at goal, but Mike Penders saves.
45+1: OFF THE BAR! Chelsea’s best chance of the game sees Rogers hit the bar from Estevao’s run and cross.
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50: GOAL! Luton’s resistance is broken as Welbeck heads home from the middle of the box after Gusto’s cross.
67: CHANCE! Kasey Palmer has a good shot from distance but it flies just wide of the near post.
79: GOAL! Estevao seals the win after doing a stepover before finding the opposite corner with a slick finish, which then goes down as a Odoffin own goal.
90+2: CHANCES! Substitute Joao Pedro misses a sitter before fellow replacement Jamie Gittens strikes the foot of the post.
Alonso: We have to prepare for low blocks
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to Sky Sports:
“We needed to play with patience. Luton were defending with heart, they were solid so we knew that if they defend that low, it’s not easy. At half-time, we spoke to be patient and keep going.
“It’s the first time we have played against a low block this season, we have to prepare for when teams play in that way.
“We want to have a complete squad in all aspects. In quality, personality, young and experienced players – so the young players get help, that they are still players to develop.
“I’m happy with the energy and attitude of the players. The crowd has been great, we need them for the whole season. We come back here on Sunday.”
Kick off 2:00pm
Analysis: New formation gives Chelsea a Plan B
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:
On Monday, there was reason for excitement about Alonso’s Chelsea. The 3-4-3 formation at Fulham saw some brilliant attacking plays – but in this game we saw something a bit different.
Alonso switched it up with a 4-2-3-1 formation, putting Palmer in as the No 10 behind Welbeck – and it added a different dimension to the Chelsea attack.
Yes, the gulf in class between Chelsea and League One Luton is fairly big but the Blues’ attacking players thrived. Estevao and Palmer both ended up with five chances created each – in a Chelsea attack that created 26 shots.
Many saw Alonso’s time at Real Madrid and thought a back four wasn’t possible. But after this dominant display, Chelsea have a different game plan they can turn to – after years of being accused of not having a Plan B.
Wilshere: We don’t like losing
Luton Town head coach Jack Wilshere to Sky Sports:
“Proud is the word that comes to mind the most. We saw things in the team tonight that we don’t normally have to do.
“For as long as Chelsea made us do it, I loved it. I loved how focused we were. The first goal is a really good goal that’s hard to defend. And then you think can you stay in it still? Towards the end I think we got a bit tired, but really proud of the commitment and the effort.
“We don’t like losing, we knew it would be difficult but I’m proud of the players. No-one in that dressing room is happy or sad – I’m proud of them. But we haven’t lost in a while and we don’t like that losing feeling. We want to create that winning culture and feeling.”
