Striker Raheem Sterling scored two goals and contributed one assist, helping Chelsea beat Luton Town 3-0 in the third round of the Premier League on August 25.
Before rookie Luton, it was not difficult for Chelsea to control the game despite the lack of many pillars. The host scored 19 times, of which eight hit the goal. Sterling, the best player in the defeat to West Ham last week, continued to shine as he scored in all three goals, helping Chelsea win their first game in the new Premier League season.
Notable Chelsea rookies all have new milestones in the tournament. While record signing Moises Caicedo started for the first time for the Stamford Bridge owner, Nicolas Jackson got his first goal for the club. The 22-year-old striker sealed the victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s teachers and students in the 75th minute, with a one-touch cushion cut after Sterling’s cross.
Jackson, like many other Chelsea players, entered the match against Luton with a bad feeling on the ball. The hosts are under pressure to win, having won only one point in the first two games. Luton is off to a confident start with new signing Ross Barkley, who left Chelsea last year.
In a tug-of-war in the first half, Sterling was the difference. The England international had his first shot on target, when his volley was caught by goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski. But in the 17th minute, goalkeeper Luton was helpless before Sterling’s thick shot into the far corner. Before finishing, the Chelsea striker dribbled past three visitors’ defenders from the left.
Sterling’s two goals in this match were both assisted by Malo Gusto, who replaced the injured left-back of Reece James. In the 68th minute, it was Sterling who initiated the attack, before moving quickly into the center to meet his teammates’ horizontal line, finishing with one touch to the goal.
The score could be stronger, if Ben Chilwell, Enzo Fernandez or Jackson made good use of good opportunities in the second half. On Luton’s side, the away team only had one shot on target the whole match. They have shown no hope of ending a complete and losing streak at Stamford Bridge since 1986.
Luton is temporarily at the bottom of the table with two defeats, while Chelsea rise to eighth. In the next round, Chelsea will stay at Stamford Bridge to welcome Nottingham Forest, and Luton will have the first time playing at home this season when meeting West Ham.
Squad
Chelsea: Sanchez, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill, Gusto, Caicedo, Enzo, Chilwell (Maatsen 86′), Sterling (Burstow 90′), Gallagher, Jackson (Ugochukwu 83′).
Luton: Kaminski, Burke (Andersen 77′), Lockyer, Bell, Kabore (Doughty 70′), Barkley (Pelly 77′), Nakamba, Chong (Ogbene 77′), Giles, Morris, Adebayo (Brown 70′).