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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

Madueke and Gusto work the ball well down the right side once again and it eventually comes to Gallagher. The Chelsea midfielder attempts to deliver into the box, but his cross is deflected behind for a corner. It's played short and Palmer is picked out just outside the area, but his shot from range doesn't find the intended target and it's out for a goal-kick.

30 December 2023 13:44

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Madueke finds the overlapping run of Gusto and he bursts down the right-hand side, carrying the ball into the box. He edges closer to the goal unmarked and looks to pull it back to one of his team-mates, but he doesn't make the right pass and Luton are able to counter-attack through Chong.

30 December 2023 13:41

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Palmer gets the second half under way for Chelsea at Kenilworth Road!

30 December 2023 13:38

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Brown is also taken off after being booked in the first half, with Ogbene the player to enter the fray in his place.

30 December 2023 13:37

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Edwards makes a change at the break with Chong coming off the bench, replacing Kabore.

30 December 2023 13:37

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Luton are yet to test Petrovic between the sticks for Chelsea. The Hatters have created 0.31 expected goals (xG), but none of their shots have been on target so far. Kaminski has been busy for Edwards' side in goal, with the away team managing six shots on target in the first half, with two of them finding the back of the net. It wouldn't be a surprise to see an early change from Luton in the second half with the home team chasing the game. Could we see Morris, Chong, or Ogbene soon?

30 December 2023 13:32

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Chelsea go into the break with a 2-0 lead over Luton at Kenilworth Road. The Blues opened the scoring through Palmer who pounced inside the box to capitalise on a mistake from Kabore, firing into the back of the net. The Hatters reacted well to going a goal behind and were looking dangerous in the Chelsea half, but they struggled to create many chances. Pochettino's side then doubled their lead as Palmer found Madueke inside the box, and the young winger rifled a shot into the roof of the net beyond Kaminski. Edwards' men have a mountain to climb in the second half.

30 December 2023 13:30

Luton Town vs Chelsea

HALF-TIME: LUTON TOWN 0-2 CHELSEA

30 December 2023 13:22

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Barkley times his run well beyond the Chelsea defence and receives the ball on the left, just inside the penalty area. He works it onto his left foot and drills a cross low and hard into the danger zone, but it rebounds off a defender and the ball is cleared.

30 December 2023 13:20

Luton Town vs Chelsea

The fourth official has indicated that there will be a minimum of five minutes of added time at the end of the first half.

30 December 2023 13:17

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