Late drama as battling Luton scare Chelsea at Kenilworth

Chelsea ended their four-game losing run away from home with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. Goals from Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke had put Mauricio Pochettino’s side in control before a spirited late fightback from the hosts set up a tense finish.

Palmer opened the scoring early on after an inexplicable error from Luton defender Issa Kabore allowed the Chelsea youngster to lash home. Madueke then doubled the lead with an excellent goal just before half-time. Palmer grabbed his second of the game midway through the second half with a delicate finish after some brilliant footwork.

Luton refused to surrender though and set up a grandstand finale courtesy of goals from former Chelsea player Ross Barkley and Elijah Adebayo. It looked as though the Hatters might complete an unlikely comeback but Chelsea held firm to claim a vital three points.

The win ends a poor run of four straight league defeats away from Stamford Bridge for Chelsea. It also makes it back-to-back league victories for only the second time under Pochettino, offering hope of an upturn in fortunes.

Luton meanwhile will reflect on a missed opportunity after threatening a spectacular recovery. The Hatters had recorded successive top-flight wins for the first time this season heading into this clash with the Blues.

Ultimately though Chelsea’s quality shone through despite the hosts’ late rally. Pochettino’s team remained in 10th position ahead of the rest of the weekend’s fixtures.