Chelsea ratings: Cole Palmer the key man in win vs. Luton

Chelsea ended 2023 with an encouraging efficiency and a 3-2 away win in opposition to Luton Town in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer punished a lapse of focus from Issa Kaboré to open the scoring 12 minutes in, and Noni Madueke doubled Chelsea’s lead earlier than half-time.

Palmer then confirmed unimaginable composure to spherical off the scoring in the seventieth minute and seemingly wrap up the victory. However, former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley scored earlier than Elijah Adebayo’s aim gave the guests hope with a late rally that finally got here up brief.

The Blues stay tenth regardless of incomes the three factors — though they’re now just one level behind ninth-placed Newcastle United forward of the Magpies’ match in opposition to Liverpool on New Year’s Day.

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Positives

The distinctive problem taking part in at Kenilworth Road presents has been effectively documented, and Chelsea handled it effectively for giant durations, matching the Hatters’ bodily and coping with their aerial risk for giant durations. In addition, all three of their targets had been taken brilliantly and got here at essential instances in the sport.

Negatives

Even although it was inconsequential in phrases of the factors, Chelsea utterly collapsed defensively after conceding their first aim — which got here from a nook and may have been handled higher. Chelsea followers most likely did not wish to see fairly as a lot of their former participant and Luton goal-scorer Barkley as they did in basic play both.

Manager ranking

Mauricio Pochettino, 7 — The coach’s wide selection name was handing Madueke his second Premier League begin of the season, and he was rewarded when the winger scored his facet’s second. Chelsea additionally appeared ready for a testing away journey and had been well-organised defensively for many of the sport, however he’ll possible be livid that the consequence was as shut because it was.

Player scores (1-10; 10 = greatest, gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)

GK Djordje Petrovic, 6 — Was largely comfy along with his ft and got here out effectively at instances, even when he dropped Alfie Doughty’s cross however held it at the second try. Little he may do about the targets, however he bought an awesome contact on Carlton Morris’ try.

DF Malo Gusto, 7 — Used his physique brilliantly when defending in opposition to Doughty for many of the sport however actually struggled in opposition to in him in the latter durations. Made some good forays ahead, with one run serving to to create house for Madueke’s aim. Some of his passing was off in the second interval. Booked for time losing.

DF Axel Disasi, 6 — Provided an actual presence when defending balls into the field for many of the sport and bought his head on to some probably harmful balls, however struggled in the latter levels. Did effectively to pick Nicolas Jackson in the build-up to the third aim.

DF Thiago Silva, 8 — Used all of his expertise to take up some very good positions and cope with Luton’s risk from crosses, as was epitomised when he stopped a Barkley free-kick supply and Chiedozie Ogbene shot. Also performed some good balls ahead.

DF Levi Colwill, 6 — Did a great job defensively in opposition to Kabore and Andros Townsend, whereas he additionally made a run ahead and performed the ball to Palmer in the build-up to Chelsea’s second.

MF Moisés Caicedo, 7 — Had some sloppy moments in the first half however performed a pleasant ball ahead in the build-up to Chelsea’s second aim and blocked Jacob Brown’s shot in the field.

MF Conor Gallagher, 6 — Put in a decided show and took a knock when blocking Brown’s shot. He wasn’t utterly convincing in the opposition field, seeing one tame shot saved and one other try blocked.

MF Cole Palmer, 9 — Had durations the place he was quiet however made the distinction when he was concerned: clinically scoring the opener, offering the help for Madueke to attain the second and displaying very good composure for the third. Also labored arduous for the group and pressed effectively at instances.

MF Noni Madueke, 7 — Backed himself to attain regardless of consideration from Amari’i Bell and Doughty, taking his aim beautifully. He usually gave Doughty issues along with his attacking play but in addition put in good defensive work to assist Gusto at the different finish. Was quieter in the second interval and could not get his shot on track.

FW Nicolas Jackson, 7 — Endured his struggles at instances and had an intriguing battle with Teden Mengi however was persistent, doing effectively to arrange Palmer for the Blues’ third. Helped out his defence in the closing moments.

FW Armando Broja, 6 — Provided good hold-up and link-up play in the first half, whereas he was unfortunate to not see anybody meet his ball throughout aim. Was quieter in the second interval.

Substitutes (gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)

Christopher Nkunku, 5 — Replaced Broja in the 62nd minute and struggled to have a lot of a notable affect with Luton doing most of the attacking.

Enzo Fernández, N/R — Replaced Madueke in the 81st minute and appeared weak, simply bypassed on a few events.

Alfie Gilchrist, N/R — Replaced Palmer in the 91st minute and put in an important sort out on Doughty in the closing second of the match.