Luton vs Chelsea LIVE: FA Cup result and final score as Lukaku and Werner seal comeback after Abramovich news
Follow all the reaction from the fifth round tie at Kenilworth Road after the Chelsea owner announced the club is up for sale
Follow all the reaction Chelsea came from behind to beat Luton and advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup thanks to late goals from Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. The Championship side threatened a shock after taking a 2-1 lead into half-time, but Chelsea turned it around in the second half to claim a victory on what had been a significant day in the club’s history.
It comes as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club, news that was released one hour before kick-off at Kenilworth Road. In a statement, Abramovich said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea. As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners.”
In Abramovich’s statement, the Russian billionaire said he will not “be asking for any loans to be repaid”, adding the sale of the club will not be “fast-tracked”. He added: “I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss claimed he has been offered the chance to buy Chelsea while an American-based merchant bank has reportedly contacted potential buyers.
Follow live coverage of Luton vs Chelsea, plus reaction to tonight’s breaking news, below:
Roman Abramovich confirms intention to sell Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku seals Chelsea’s FA Cup comeback against Luton amid Roman Abramovich exit
‘It’s his choice and his club’: Thomas Tuchel stands by Roman Abramovich’s decision to put Chelsea up for sale
Conor McGregor tells Chelsea he’s interested in buying club from Roman Abramovich
Luton 2-2 Chelsea
75 mins; Great play from Werner to get around his defender on the left channel and reach the by-line. He looks to square to Lukaku but he had dropped back for the pull-back, when Werner was looking for him to make the near-post run.
James replaces Jorginho while former Norwich, Hull and West Ham midfielder Robert Snodgrass is on for Luton.
Luton 2-2 Chelsea
73 mins: Reece James is warming up for Chelsea and looks set to come on. Luton have done themselves proud tonight but the odds were always going to be stacked against them given the quality of the Chelsea bench. They’re still in it, though...
GOAL! Luton 2-2 Chelsea (WERNER 70’)
Or not - Chelsea are level! Loftus-Cheek clips a pass over the top and Werner is played onside by Luton’s right back on the far side. The German brings it under control with his first touch before producing a composed finish past the goalkeeper on the run. A nice goal.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
66 mins: Chelsea had a decent opening 15 minutes or so to this half but look to have lost some rhythm. Tuchel looks on in frustration. His side have had the majority of the ball but Luton seem to be fairly comfortable.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
64 mins: Mount’s cross from the left is sliced wildly behind - it ends up on the roof of the stand behind the goal, which is always a pleasing sight.
When do you start getting worried if you’re a Chelsea fan? As another Rudiger pass drifts harmlessly long and is collected by the goalkeeper.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
60 mins: Chelsea’s first change will be 18-year-old Harvey Vale, which could well have been the plan anyway and Tuchel is keeping to the script despite his side trailing.
Pulisic comes on, as well. Kenedy and Hudson-Odoi make way.
There’s a double change for Luton, too, as Cameron Jerome and Alan Campbell replace goalscorer Cornick and Luke Berry.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
57 mins: Rudiger has been finding spaces in the inside right channel as he comes out with the ball but his crosses into the box have rarely found their target. Lukaku was beaten too easily again there as Luton thumped clear. Muskwe then fouled Sarr as he chased the bouncing ball.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
54 mins: Decent chance for Werner as Saul drifts forward, but he rather allowed the pass to get away from him and he was crowded out. From the corner, Loftus-Cheek heads wide.
Luton 2-1 Chelsea
52 mins: Hudson-Odoi tries to take on Bell on the right wing - Chelsea need more from him as well - his cross is clear behind and from it, Saul’s flick-on at the front post drifts over the bar.
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