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
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
VAR is checking for a penalty for Luton. The referee has delayed the restart and it's being looked at. Colwill and Adebayo were wrestling at the back post with both players going to the ground. After a short delay, the referee waves play on. NO PENALTY!
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Luton have a free-kick on the right-hand side and Barkley looks to deliver, but it's headed behind for a corner. Doughty comes over to take and he whips it towards the far post. There's a scramble in the box but the ball falls to Brown who strikes it, but it's deflected behind for another corner.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Edwards will be disappointed with how his side have conceded twice, considering their performance so far. However, they've been sloppy at the back and haven't shown enough threat in the final third, so there's no doubt Chelsea are good value for their lead. The Hatters now have a mountain to climb.
GOAL! Luton 0-2 Chelsea (Noni Madueke 37’)
GOOOAAAAALLL!! 2-0 CHELSEA!!
The Blues beat the press of Luton and Palmer is found in space in the middle of the pitch by Colwill. The attacking midfielder shifts the ball out wide to Noni Madueke. The tricky winger tries to get it onto his stronger foot, but he shifts it onto his right and fires a strike which creeps in at the near post.
It's a superb finish from Madueke, who scores his second goal in as many games.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Although Luton have grown into the game, they do have Kaminski to thank that it's only 1-0. Chelsea have had five shots so far with all of them being on target, but the Hatters' goalkeeper has been solid between the sticks and couldn't do anything about Palmer's excellent strike into the far corner.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
It's been a fairly even game so far, with Luton seeing plenty of the ball since going behind. The Hatters have managed 49.8 per cent of the possession since the game got under way and they've been the side controlling the tempo since Chelsea opened the scoring through Palmer earlier in the half.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Luton will now have a chance from a corner after Brown burst down the left-hand side. His cross deflected behind for a corner after Gallagher had made an effort to stop the delivery. The Chelsea midfielder is now down injured holding his leg and the medical team are on the pitch.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Luton have another opportunity from a free-kick after Gusto upended Brown on the left-hand side. Doughty will look to deliver into the box once again. He whips it towards the back post, but Broja is there to header away. The Hatters regain possession, but they can't quite find a breakthrough.
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