Debut Welbeck goal helps determined Chelsea ease past Hatters in the Carabao Cup

Blues v Hatters by @JTaylorSport

Chelsea 2 Luton Town 0

Chelsea prevailed in this second round Carabao Cup tie against a determined Luton Town at Stamford Bridge to ignite a new era with Xavi Alonso in charge.

The Blues earned a tie in the exit round against Leeds United, thanks to a xx win – and a debut goal for Danny Welbeck. An own goal in 78 minutes by Hatters’ defender Hakeem Odoffin made matters safe and to draw more satisfaction for Alonso.

It was sufficient to break the impressive resistance by League One Luton, who acquitted themselves well in the capital against their illustrious opponents who have spent in the region of £300m to strengthen this summer.

Welbeck, one of the more modest acquisitions, was ultimately the difference maker and receive a deserve ovation when he was replaced by Joao Pedro in the latter stages.

Chelsea’s general focus and persistence may have only yielded a 2-0 win in the end, but Alonso will gather plenty of encouragement so early in the season, ahead of another home game, against Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

It was the first game at the Stamford Bridge helm for the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach, who some observers feel can guide Chelsea to a proper Premier League challenge.

On the field, a home debut for Morgan Rogers, who, at £117m represents an enormous financial risk, even for the normally spendthrift west Londoners, but it remains quite the statement of intent. And there was even better news for Blues fans with the news that goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been signed from Aston Villa, although the Argentine was not available in time for this clash.

While the Carabao Cup is not top of Chelsea’s priorities this season, Alonso still recognises its importance. The new Blues’ boss chose a strong enough line up for the Hatters’ visit. There was, for instance, a starting place for Welbeck up front. The vast experience of the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Brighton hit man should benefit Chelsea throughout the campaign.

And his goal, a tremendous header, in the 49^th minute, hints at a strong striking template for the Londoners.

Alonso switched to a back four for the cup tie. Captain Reece James and debutant Valentin Barco anchored midfield while there was no place in the match day squad for Enzo Fernandez, heavily linked with a switch to Manchester City.

Luton – backed by 4,000 travelling fans - helped stifle the hosts across a competitive first half, although both Welbeck and James went close, the latter seeing a fiercely struck free kick palmed away well by Hatters’ keeper Josh Keeley.

Organisation played a key part in the Hatters’ approach for long spells, although Callum Marshall had a tough job foraging along in the final third. Jack Wilshere’s men, in a 5-4-1 formation, looked calm and capable, keeping Chelsea at bay for the most part. Estevao blasted an angled shot wide in a rare half chance for the hosts in the 39th minute.

Admittedly, the Luton goalmouth lived dangerously, and none more so when Cole Palmer flicked an instant shot off the bar from a clever Estevao assist from the right. However the League One outfit were good value for the scoreless opening half.

Whatever the message was in the home dressing room at the break, it got through to a Chelsea side brimming with purpose. Four minutes into the second half, Welbeck broke the deadlock.

A terrific link up down the right involving Estevao and Malo Gusto saw the latter’s dangerous cross headed powerfully home from six yards out by the veteran forward.

Predictably, the momentum was almost entirely with Chelsea thereafter. Palmer clipped the top of the bar with a fine strike from just outside the penalty area. Luton attacker Kasey Palmer did shoot a few inches wide from distance as the visitors pushed forward in a rare foray.

Alonso then replaced James, Rogers and Gusto for Jorrel Hato, Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto for game time with 68 minutes gone.

Ten minutes later, Chelsea doubled their lead – and it was rough luck for Hatters’ Odoffin. The defender could only deflect the ball into his own net from a yard out as he attempted to deflect a fizzing, angled shot by in-form Estevao. Lavia could have added a third goal for the Blues, only to see his shot cannon off the woodwork in added time.

All in all, a solid introduction to life in west London for Alonso. His team did all that was asked of them. Without the distraction of European football, the Spaniard could be guiding this Chelsea side to impressive heights this term.

Blues: Pendera, Barco, Lacroix, Palmer, Rogers (Lavia 68). Welbeck (Pedro 74), James (Neto 68), Gusto (Hato 68), Chavarria, Acheampong, Estevao (Gittens 79)