Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings from the Blues’ 1-0 victory in the second round of the League Cup over Luton Town.
Xabi Alonso’s side were forced to work hard for the win at Stamford Bridge, having to wait until the second half before Danny Welbeck put them ahead with a debut goal.
An own goal via an Estevao Willian shot put the game beyond doubt, after a spell of dominance after half-time eventually told.
Chelsea v Luton Town - Carabao Cup Second Round
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Chelsea lined up with a back four against Luton, the first sign of the versatility supporters can expect from Alonso throughout his tenure here.
The Blues have set up a third round tie with Leeds United, and let’s take a look at the player ratings from the performance which got us there…
Mike Penders: 6/10
Making his senior Chelsea debut just hours after a deal to sign Emi Martinez was agreed, Mike Penders had very little to do between the sticks.
Malo Gusto: 8/10
Put in a fantastic cross to set up the opening goal, and defended brilliantly when called upon. Chelsea managers continue to want to use Malo Gusto, and it looks like Alonso is now different.
Josh Acheampong: 7/10
A solid performance up against very little threat. Josh Acheampong will be delighted with the amount of minutes he has picked up in the first two games of the season.
Maxence Lacroix: 7/10
Looks an absolute Rolls-Royce of a defender. Didn’t put a foot wrong for the second consecutive game in a Chelsea shirt.
Pep Chavarria: 6/10
Will be delighted to get his first opportunity to show his new supporters what he is all about. Excellent work-rate throughout the game from Pep Chavarria.
Reece James: 7/10
It looks as if Reece James is going to be a frequent sight in midfield at Stamford Bridge under Alonso, and so far this season he has proven that won’t be a problem at all.
Valentin Barco: 8/10
Dealt with the boo boys nicely, enjoying a pretty comfortable outing in the heart of midfield as he made his first appearance for the club.
Chelsea v Luton Town - Carabao Cup Second Round
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Estevao Willian: 7/10
Estevao looked incredibly hungry to impact play, perhaps after how well Chelsea’s attack played on Monday without him, although things didn’t always come off as he’d have liked. Did have the shot which led to the own goal however.
Cole Palmer: 8/10
Was super keen to get involved in the game, and found himself unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. More very encouraging signs though.
Morgan Rogers: 6/10
Threatened throughout, hitting the crossbar in the first half and continuing to link up with Palmer in a dangerous way.
Danny Welbeck: 9/10
Welbeck found the net for the first time with a good header in the penalty area, and had shown some nice interplay with the rest of the attack throughout his debut.
Pedro Neto: 6/10
Romeo Lavia: 7/10
Looks really sharp in the opening stages of this season.
Jorrel Hato: 6/10
Notably came on as a centre-back, rather than left-back.
Joao Pedro: 6/10
Found himself the first Chelsea victim of the new rule this season regarding how long players take to be substituted. Was forced to wait a minute before he could replace Welbeck.
Jamie Gittens: 6/10
A first competitive Chelsea performance since January for Jamie Gittens, and he nearly marked it with a goal as he saw his shot hit the post late on.