Don Hutchison reflects on Cole Palmer’s two goals in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Luton Town (1:45).
Chelsea ended 2023 with a 3-2 away win over Luton Town in the Premier League.
Cole Palmer punished Issa Kaboré’s lapse-in-concentration to open the scoring in the minute, and Noni Madueke doubled Chelsea’s lead before the break.
Palmer then showed composure to complete the scoring in the 70th minute and likely seal the win. However, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley scored before Elijah Adebayo’s goal gave the visitors hope with a late reaction that ultimately failed.
The Blues remain in tenth place despite 3 points, although they are now just one point behind ninth-placed Newcastle United, ahead of the Magpies’ New Year’s match against Liverpool.
– Broadcast on ESPN: LaLiga, Bundesliga, (USA)
The exclusive challenge contested at Kenilworth Road is well documented and Chelsea treated him well for long periods, physically matching the Hatters and dealing with their aerial risk for long periods. In addition, all three of his goals were brilliantly scored and proved crucial. moments of the game.
Although it was of no consequence in terms of points, Chelsea absolutely collapsed defensively after conceding their first goal, which came from a corner and was treated better. Chelsea fans probably didn’t need to see his ex as much either. Luton player and striker Barkley, as they generally did.
Mauricio Pochettino, 7 years old – The manager’s big decision was to give Madueke his season-opening moment in the Premier League, and he was rewarded when the winger scored his team’s momentum. Chelsea also looked ready for a visitors’ control and were well organised defensively for most of the game, but they will probably be furious that the result was as close as it was.
GK Djordje Petrovic, 6 years old – He was largely comfortable with his feet and did well at times, dropping a cross from Alfie Doughty but holding it on the second attempt. He couldn’t do much in the way of goals, but he did get a great shot. in Carlton Morris’ attempt.
DF Malo Gusto, 7 – Used his structure brilliantly to defend Doughty for most of the game, but struggled to counter him in the final periods. He made some clever forays forward, with a run that helped create space for Madueke’s goal. Some of his passes came in the second period. Reserved for wasting time.
DF Axel Disasi, 6 – Provided a genuine presence by protecting balls in the box for most of the game and headed potentially damaging balls, but struggled in the closing stages. I did well for Nicolas Jackson in the build-up to the third goal.
DF Thiago Silva, 8 – He used all his experience to take very good positions and deal with the risk of Luton’s crosses, as summed up when he saved a Barkley free-kick and Chiedozie Ogbene’s shot. I also played some great forward balls.
DF Levi Colwill, 6 years old – Did a defensive job in front of Kabore and Andros Townsend, while also running forward and playing the ball to Palmer in Chelsea’s second set-up.
MF Moises Caicedo, 7 years old – He had a couple of sloppy moments in the first half, but played a great ball in preparation for Chelsea’s second goal and blocked Jacob Brown’s shot in the box.
MF Conor Gallagher, 6 years old – Showed determination and took a hit while blocking Brown’s shot. He wasn’t entirely convincing in the opposition box, seeing a domesticated shot stored and the odd other attempt blocked.
MF Cole Palmer, nine – I had quiet periods, but he made the difference when he participated: he scored clinically in the first game, helped Madueke score in the moment and showed very good composure in the third. I also worked hard for the team and drove hard.
MF Noni Madueke, 7 — Backed himself to score despite attention from Amari’i Bell and Doughty, taking his goal superbly. He often gave Doughty problems with his attacking play but also put in good defensive work to help Gusto at the other end. Was quieter in the second period and couldn’t get his shot on target.
FW Nicolas Jackson, 7 years old – He endured his struggles at times and had an intriguing war with Teden Mengi, but he was persistent and did well to prepare Palmer for the Blues’ third. He helped their defense in the final moments.
Forward Armando Broja, 6 years old – He provided a smart attacking and connecting game in the first half, when he was unlucky enough not to see anyone find their ball in front of goal. It was calmer in the second half.
Christopher Nkunku, 5 — Replaced Broja in the 62nd minute and struggled to have much of a notable impact with Luton doing most of the attacking.
Enzo Fernandez, N/A – Replaced Madueke in the 81st minute and looked weak, ignored on several occasions.
Alfie Gilchrist, N/A – Replaced Palmer in the 91st minute and made a big tackle on Doughty in the last moment of the game.