LONDON: Chelsea advanced to the third round of the League Cup after beating League One side Luton Town 2-0, with Danny Welbeck scoring on his debut in Xabi Alonso’s first competitive home game.
Despite pre-match speculation about the futures of Enzo Fernandez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, one of Chelsea’s under-appreciated new signings was a key figure in the victory.
Welbeck scored the opening goal shortly after the second half began when he headed in Malo Gusto’s cross to open Chelsea’s scoring account.
Alonso fielded a strong starting XI with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and captain Reece James in the starting XI, as Chelsea dominated possession from the start.
“We want to have a squad that is complete in all aspects, in terms of quality, maturity and personality, with a mix of young and experienced players.
“It’s important for young players to get help to develop and in situations like that, experienced players help a lot.
“I’m happy with the energy and attitude of the players. The fans are also great, we’ve needed them all season. Now we’re resting and we’ll be back here (Stamford Bridge) on Sunday,” said Alonso.
Alonso, however, remained tight-lipped about Fernandez, who is reportedly close to joining Manchester City and is not in the squad, as well as Martinez, who is said to be moving from Aston Villa to Chelsea.
Palmer and Estevao were denied their best chances before Rogers rattled the crossbar at the end of the first half.
Luton put up stiff resistance against the hosts for most of the match, but failed to withstand the pressure after the break.
Welbeck’s powerful header finally broke the deadlock and turned the momentum of the match in Chelsea’s favor.
The victory was sealed with 10 minutes to go when Estevao made a dramatic move into the penalty area before missing an attempt, but the goal was ultimately recorded as an own goal by Luton defender Hakeem Odoffin.
Chelsea will face Leeds United in the next round.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Muniz ended a goal drought of more than a year when he helped Fulham beat AFC Wimbledon 3-0 to advance to the third round and face West Ham.
Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring for Fulham with a header from Kenny Tete’s cross in the first half before Muniz made it 2-0, also with a header from Tete’s pass.
The victory was Fulham’s first under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who made 10 changes after the defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday.
Summer signing Gonzalo Garcia completed Fulham’s victory with a stoppage-time goal.