Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer the key man in win vs. Luton،
Chelsea ended 2023 with an encouraging performance and a 3-2 away win over Luton Town in the Premier League.
Cole Palmer punished a lapse in concentration from Issa Kaboré to open the scoring in the 12th minute, and Noni Madueke doubled Chelsea's lead before half-time.
Palmer then showed incredible composure to complete the scoring in the 70th minute and seemingly wrap up the victory. However, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley scored before Elijah Adebayo's goal gave the visitors hope with a late rally that ultimately fell short.
The Blues remain 10th despite securing three points, although they are now just one point behind ninth-placed Newcastle United ahead of the Magpies' match against Liverpool on New Year's Day.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
Good points
The unique challenge played at Kenilworth Road has been well documented and Chelsea handled it well for long periods, matching that of the Hatters physically and dealing with their aerial threat for long periods. Additionally, their three goals were brilliantly scored and came at important moments in the match.
Negative points
Although it had no consequences in terms of points, Chelsea completely collapsed defensively after conceding their first goal, which came from a corner and should have been handled better. Chelsea fans probably also didn't want to see as much of their former Luton player and goalscorer Barkley as they usually did.
Manager's note
Mauricio Pochettino, 7 years old — The manager's big selection call was to hand Madueke his second Premier League start of the season, and he was rewarded when the winger scored his side's second. Chelsea also looked prepared for a testing away trip and were well organized defensively for most of the match, but will likely be furious that the result was as close as it was.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Djordje Petrovic, 6 — He was largely comfortable with his feet and did well at times, although he dropped Alfie Doughty's cross but kept it at the second attempt. He couldn't do much about the goals, but he had a nice touch on Carlton Morris' attempt.
DF Malo Gusto, 7 years old — He used his body brilliantly to defend against Doughty for most of the match, but really struggled against him in the later periods. Made some good forays forward, with a run helping to create space for Madueke's goal. Some of his passes came in the second half. Reserved to waste time.
DF Axel Disasi, 6 years old — Provided a real presence when defending balls in the box for most of the match and got his head on potentially dangerous balls, but struggled in the latter stages. I did well to choose Nicolas Jackson in the preparation for the third goal.
DF Thiago Silva, 8 years old — He used all his experience to take superb positions and deal with the threat of Luton's crosses, as was epitomized when he stopped a Barkley free-kick and Chiedozie Ogbene's shot. I also played some nice balls forward.
DF Levi Colwill, 6 years old – Did a good job defensively against Kabore and Andros Townsend, while making a run forward and playing the ball to Palmer in the build-up to Chelsea's second.
MF Moisés Caicedo, 7 years old — Had a few sloppy moments in the first half, but played a nice ball forward in the build-up to Chelsea's second goal and blocked Jacob Brown's shot in the box.
Mr. F. Conor Gallagher, 6 years old — Showed determination and took a hit while blocking Brown's shot. He wasn't completely convincing in the opposition box, seeing one tame shot saved and another attempt blocked.
Mr. F. Cole Palmer, 9 years old — He had periods where he was quiet but made the difference when involved: clinically scoring the first game, providing the assist for Madueke to score the second and showing superb composure for the third. I also worked hard for the team and sometimes pushed hard.
MF Noni Madueke, 7 years old — He backed himself to score despite attention from Amari'i Bell and Doughty, scoring his goal superbly. He often gave Doughty problems with his offensive play, but also did good defensive work to help Gusto on the other end. Was calmer in the second half and failed to get his shot on target.
FW Nicolas Jackson, 7 years old — He endured his struggles at times and had an intriguing battle with Teden Mengi, but was persistent and did well to set up Palmer for the Blues' third. Helped his defense in the final moments.
FW Armando Broja, 6 — He provided good hold-up and link-up play in the first half, while he was unlucky not to see anyone meet his ball across goal. It was calmer in the second half.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
Christophe Nkunku, 5 years old — Replaced Broja in the 62nd minute and struggled to make a noticeable impact, with Luton doing most of the attacking.
Enzo Fernández, N/R — Replaced Madueke in the 81st minute and looked weak, easily bypassed on several occasions.
Alfie Gilchrist, B/R — Replaced Palmer in the 91st minute and made a vital tackle on Doughty in the final moment of the match.
