Here is how football.london rated the Chelsea players in their Carabao Cup second round victory against Luton Town at Stamford Bridge
Danny Welbeck celebrates
Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his first goal for Chelsea(Image: Richard Heathcote)
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No Enzo Fernandez, no problem for Xabi Alonso as Chelsea brushed Luton Town aside in the Carabao Cup.
Fernandez is wanted by Man City in the final week of the transfer window and was not included in the Blues' squad. Manchester City are said to be preparing an offer for the midfielder with just a few days remaining of the summer transfer window.
But a first goal in blue for new signing Danny Welbeck on his competitive debut and a late own goal was enough for Chelsea to progress into the Carabao Cup third round, where they will host Leeds United.
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Cole Palmer had a couple opportunities to put the hosts ahead early on but Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley made a fine double save to keep out the 24-year-old.
Estevao Willian had a golden opportunity to put Chelsea ahead before the half-time whistle but he dragged his effort well wide. Estevao then turned creator to set up Morgan Rogers, whose volley hit the crossbar in Chelsea’s closest effort of the opening 45 minutes.
A few minutes after the restart, Welbeck broke the deadlock in what was his first goal since signing from Brighton. Malo Gusto’s cross from the right side was inch-perfect and Welbeck made no mistake with a close-range header.
Palmer then clipped the crossbar from the edge of the box with the Chelsea star shining in front of Thomas Tuchel, who was at Stamford Bridge.
An own goal from Hakeem Odoffin secured Chelsea’s passage into the next round, with the Luton defender unfortunate to turn in Estevao’s low strike.
In the end, a comfortable second round victory for the Blues.
Danny Welbeck celebrates
Chelsea's English striker #18 Danny Welbeck (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English League Cup second round football match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge, in London on August 27, 2026. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Image: Carlos Jasso/AFP)
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Here is how football.london rated the Chelsea players.
Mike Penders - Looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet. There were a couple of pressured instances that might faze a young goalkeeper, but not Penders, who remained calm and composed in possession. 6
Malo Gusto - The Frenchman was much better in the second-half. An inch-perfect delivery towards Welbeck was great to see. A piece of individual magic was required and Gusto delivered. 7
Josh Acheampong - After a fine performance against Fulham, it was very much more of the same from Acheampong. He produced a fine slide tackle right on the edge of the box 28 minutes in to prevent a decent opportunity for the visitors. 7
Maxence Lacroix - Solid yet again. Stopped most Luton attacks before they even had the chance to get going in SW6. 6
Pep Chavarria - The Spaniard was up and down the left side like a yo-yo. It was the first real opportunity to see his pace and it's impressive. Could have had an assist just before half-time after a neat pass to Palmer on the edge of the box. 7
Reece James - He was unfortunate to see a fine free-kick strike denied in the first-half. Passed it well in there and helped new signing Valentin Barco settle alongside him. 7
Valentin Barco - A really positive debut for Barco. The Argentine seemed to always look for the forward pass and the ball in between the lines. Positive link-up play with the attackers, too. Excellent performance from Barco. 8
Estevao Willian - Linked up with Palmer well at times and was unfortunate not to have an assist when his teammate had back-to-back shots saved. Should have scored 39 minutes in but he dragged his shot well wide. He thought he did score in his last involvement but it will surely go down as an own goal. Either way, a good moment from the Brazilian. 7
Cole Palmer - Really bright from the very start. He could have had at least a couple of goals in the first-half. Hit the crossbar in the second-half. Unfortunate he didn't score. 7
Morgan Rogers - He played a fine pass to Palmer early on that perhaps deserved a bit more. Unlucky to hit the crossbar just before the half-time whistle. Bright. 7
Danny Welbeck - After a quiet first-half for Welbeck, the 35-year-old striker started the second period with a bang. A close-range header after being found by Gusto. Right place, right time. 7
Romeo Lavia (on for Rogers 68') - Came on and helped dictate the play. 6
Pedro Neto (on for James 68') - Surprised he didn't start. Unable to impact the match too much from the left-hand side. 6
Jorrel Hato (on for Gusto 68') - Came on and did a fine job at left-back for the final 20-or-so minutes. 6
Joao Pedro (on for Welbeck 73') - Big ovation when he came on. The Brazilian wasn't able to have too much of an impact but it wasn't really required.
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Jamie Gittens (on for Estevao 80') - First minutes of the season. N/A
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