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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

Chance! Madueke bursts down the right-hand side, looking to take on Doughty. He gets to the byline and cuts inside before finding Gallagher in the middle. The Chelsea midfielder strikes it towards the bottom corner, but Kaminski makes a smart stop with his feet. An early opportunity for the Blues, but it was saved well by the Luton goalkeeper.

30 December 2023 12:37

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Madueke makes an early foul on Brown and Luton have an opportunity from a free-kick deep inside the Chelsea half. Doughty is standing over it and he looks to deliver towards the middle, but it's headed away by Disasi and Pochettino's side are able to clear the danger comfortably.

30 December 2023 12:33

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Lokonga gets the game under way for Luton at Kenilworth Road!

30 December 2023 12:31

Luton Town vs Chelsea

The players are making their way out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off.

30 December 2023 12:27

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Meanwhile, Pochettino has made four alterations from Chelsea’s victory over Roy Hodgson’s Palace. At the back, veteran defender Thiago Silva comes in for Benoit Badiashile, who misses out through injury. The Argentine manager has also reshuffled his attack, with Maatsen, Nkunku, and Mudryk out of the starting XI and onto the bench. Broja, Palmer, and Madueke come in.

30 December 2023 12:22

Luton Town vs Chelsea

Edwards has made one change from his team’s 3-2 victory away to Sheffield United on Boxing Day. The Luton manager has looked to reward the majority of his starting XI for their efforts at Bramall Lane, but there is a change in one of the wing-back positions, with Kabore coming into the side and Giles dropping to the bench.

30 December 2023 12:19

Luton Town vs Chelsea

CHELSEA SUBS: Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Marcus Bettinelli, Christopher Nkunku, Ian Maatsen, Alfie Gilchrist, Lucas Bergstrom, Alex Matos.

30 December 2023 12:17

Luton Town vs Chelsea

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Djordje Petrovic; Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto; Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher; Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Armando Broja.

30 December 2023 12:16

Luton Town vs Chelsea

LUTON TOWN SUBS: Mads Andersen, Chiedozie Ogbene, Carlton Morris, Cauley Woodrow, Tahith Chong, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Jordan Clark, Tim Krul, Ryan Giles.

30 December 2023 12:14

Luton Town vs Chelsea

LUTON TOWN (3-4-2-1): Thomas Kaminski; Amari'i Bell, Gabriel Osho, Teden Mengi; Alfie Doughty, Ross Barkley, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Issa Kabore; Jacob Brown, Andros Townsend; Elijah Adebayo.

30 December 2023 12:14

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