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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:

WATCH: Cole Palmer fires Chelsea ahead

Here’s that Cole Palmer goal - a nice strike by the midfielder

Luke Baker30 December 2023 12:56

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Broja is down and looks in some discomfort. The medical team have rushed on to give him treatment. The Chelsea forward appears to be in a lot of pain, and Pochettino has sent some players out to warm up just in case.

30 December 2023 12:53

Luton Town vs Chelsea

It's a half-chance for Luton. Kabore delivers into the penalty area and Silva looks to clear, but his header only flies up in the air towards Adebayo. He rises above his marker and heads towards goal, but he can't get enough power in the shot and Petrovic is there to regain possession.

30 December 2023 12:52

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Broja steals the ball from Adebayo and carries it into the box on the left, before beating his marker and getting to the byline. He drills a delivery across the face of goal, but none of the Chelsea forwards have gambled and it evades everyone, allowing Luton to clear the ball from danger.

30 December 2023 12:51

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Brown pounces on a loose ball deep inside the Chelsea half and drives towards the box, but Palmer brings him down just outside of the penalty area and Luton have a free-kick. Barkley and Doughty are standing over it. Barkley takes aim towards the far corner... but it's just over the bar and out for a goal-kick.

30 December 2023 12:49

Luton Town vs Chelsea

It was a bright start from Luton who had the crowd on their side, but Chelsea showed the quality they have in their squad to pounce on a mistake from Edwards' men. The Hatters were sloppy at the back and Palmer made no mistake with a superb strike from just inside the box, leaving Kaminski with no chance.

30 December 2023 12:47

GOAL! Luton 1-0 Chelsea (Cole Palmer 12’)

A lovely finish from Cole Palmer and Chelsea are 1-0 up, although it’s dismal defending from the Hatters.

Nicolas Jackson cuts in from the right but his shot is straight at Thomas Kaminski, who saves with his legs. As Luton then try to play the ball out, Issa Kabore’s pass is cut out by Palmer who rifles a shot into the far corner. Poor from the Hatters but a seventh Premier League goal of the season from Palmer.

Luke Baker30 December 2023 12:43

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Goal Cole Jermaine Palmer

30 December 2023 12:42

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Chelsea are looking to play out from the back, but Luton aren't making it easy for the away side. Edwards' men are pressing high up the pitch, looking to win the ball back in advanced areas. The Kenilworth Road crowd are getting behind their players at every opportunity.

30 December 2023 12:42

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Adebayo drifts out wide and receives the ball before standing up Gusto. He takes on the Chelsea defender and finds Brown inside the penalty area, but he can't quite get it under control and it rolls to Petrovic who can gather. It's been end-to-end stuff so far from the two teams at Kenilworth Road.

30 December 2023 12:39

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