
(REUTERS)
Luton Town could temporarily move out of the Premier League relegation zone if they can upset Chelsea at Kenilworth Road today
Rob Edwards’ side made it back-to-back league wins with a crucial 3-2 away win against Sheffield United on Boxing Day and could now move out of the relegation zone if they beat the Blues in the lunchtime kick-off.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will look to end the calendar year on a bright note as they go in search of successive wins for just the second time in the league this season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side squeaked past Crystal Palace in midweek but will be looking to complete the league double over the Hatters, having beaten them 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in August.
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Luton Town vs Chelsea
Luton will now have a chance from a corner after Brown burst down the left-hand side. His cross deflected behind for a corner after Gallagher had made an effort to stop the delivery. The Chelsea midfielder is now down injured holding his leg and the medical team are on the pitch.
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Yellow Card Jacob Samuel Brown
Luton Town vs Chelsea
Luton have another opportunity from a free-kick after Gusto upended Brown on the left-hand side. Doughty will look to deliver into the box once again. He whips it towards the back post, but Broja is there to header away. The Hatters regain possession, but they can’t quite find a breakthrough.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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