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Luton v Chelsea LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League as Hatters comeback falls just short

Luton 2-3 Chelsea: The Blues raced into a 3-0 lead, with Cole Palmer instrumental, before the Hatters roared back and almost snatched a draw

Luke Baker
Saturday 30 December 2023 14:51 GMT
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(REUTERS)

Chelsea survived a late Luton Town fightback to return to winning ways on the road with a 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road, with Cole Palmer netting twice either side of a fine Noni Madueke strike.

The expensively-assembled Blues had lost their previous four Premier League away games but looked certain to claim all three points when they were 3-0 up with little more than 10 minutes of normal time remaining.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley scored what looked like a consolation goal for the hosts when he headed in from an Alfie Doughty corner in the 80th minute. Seven minutes later Elijah Adebayo reduced the deficit to one goal, but Luton failed to get an equaliser.

Relive the action below and get the latest Premier League odds and tips here:

Luton Town vs Chelsea

So close! Gallagher makes a strong challenge on Chong inside the Chelsea half, and Luton will have another opportunity from a set-piece. Doughty is standing over it once again, and he delivers towards the back post. Morris comes flying in and sends a bullet header towards goal, but Petrovic tips it onto the bar! What a save!

30 December 2023 14:18

GOAL! Luton 1-3 Chelsea (Ross Barkley 80’)

GOAAAALLLL!! 3-1! Luton pull one back and this time it will stand!

The Hatters have a corner with Doughty set to take. He whips a delivery towards the front post, and Ross Barkley has escaped his marker. The English midfielder has a free header, and he glances it into the far corner. It's sloppy defending from Chelsea, but Luton now believe they are back in it!

Luke Baker30 December 2023 14:17

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Substitution Chukwunonso Tristan Madueke Enzo Jeremías Fernández

30 December 2023 14:13

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Goal Ross Barkley

30 December 2023 14:12

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Luton now have their first shot on target. Ogbene receives the ball out wide and looks to cut onto his left foot. He lays a pass into the path of Barkley just outside the box. He takes aim and strikes towards goal, but it's saved comfortably by Petrovic between the sticks for Chelsea.

30 December 2023 14:11

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Mengi eventually goes into the book, this time for a foul on Colwill.

30 December 2023 14:09

Luton Town vs Chelsea

GOOOAAAAAL!! 3-1! Luton pull one back. The ball finds Doughty on the left-hand side and he gets it out of his feet, before whipping towards the front post. Adebayo bursts in front of his marker and powers a header beyond Petrovic. But wait... VAR is checking it. Doughty could be offside... and he is! NO GOAL!

30 December 2023 14:08

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Edwards will be disappointed to have conceded from a rare attack from Chelsea, but it's exactly what Pochettino would have wanted. The Blues sat back and hit Luton on the counter-attack, and it's worked a treat in the second half.

30 December 2023 14:07

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Goal Elijah Anuoluwapo Oluwaferanmi Oluwatomi Oluwalana Ayomikulehin Adebayo

30 December 2023 14:06

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Assist Nicolas Jackson

30 December 2023 14:03

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