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
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.
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.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Lokonga gets the game under way for Luton at Kenilworth Road!
Luton Town vs Chelsea
The players are making their way out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off.
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.
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.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
CHELSEA SUBS: Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Marcus Bettinelli, Christopher Nkunku, Ian Maatsen, Alfie Gilchrist, Lucas Bergstrom, Alex Matos.
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.
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.
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