With a thrilling 3-2 victory at Kenilworth Road, Chelsea ended a frustrating 2023 on a high note by holding off a late Luton Town charge, led by Cole Palmer.
The Blues have underperformed despite significant squad investment, and after a Jeckyll and Hyde performance, there was further proof of the amount of work needed to be done.
Palmer got things going when, on minute twelve, he elegantly returned from suspension by punishing an error made by Issa Kabore with a clinical strike.
After controlling a series of set pieces from Luton, Mauricio Pochettino’s team extended their lead on 37 minutes when Noni Madueke blasted a soaring strike past Thomas Kaminski at his near post.
After the half, Rob Edwards’ team showed significant improvement, but 20 minutes from the end, Palmer’s deft footwork virtually sealed the victory.
After having a goal disallowed for offside in the build-up by VAR shortly after, Luton managed to equalize in the 80th minute when Ross Barkley headed in a corner.
Three minutes from time, Elijah Adebayo’s rebound goal set up a barnstorming climax for the home team, but despite relentless late pressure, they were unable to manufacture a spectacular equalizer.
With the outcome, Chelsea has locked up 10th place in the rankings, trailing only seventh-place Manchester United by three points heading into the remaining games of the weekend.
Luton fails to move up out of the drop zone and remains in 18th place.
Chelsea’s attention will now be focused on their FA Cup third-round match against Preston at home the following Saturday. On Sunday, Luton will play Bolton in the same league.