Chelsea debutant Welbeck scores as Blues progress to Carabao Cup fourth round
Danny Welbeck marked his Chelsea debut with a goal as the Blues progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Luton Town.
The 35-year-old striker, who joined Chelsea from Brighton this summer, opened the scoring early in the first half with a close-range header.
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Fernandez absent amid Manchester City speculation
Hakeem Odoffin then turned Estevao Willian’s effort into his own net in the 79th minute to seal the win for Xabi Alonso’s side.
The biggest talking point, however, was the absence of Enzo Fernandez, who was left out of the squad amid growing speculation over a potential move to Manchester City.
Fernandez came off the bench during Monday’s 3-2 Premier League victory at Fulham, but his representatives have reportedly held talks with City.
Reports in Argentina also claimed the midfielder had asked to be left out of the Luton game as he seeks a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Welbeck breaks Luton resistance
Chelsea dominated possession and created several opportunities in the opening stages, but Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley kept the visitors in the contest with a string of impressive saves.
Keeley twice denied Cole Palmer in the 11th minute before also keeping out a Welbeck header and Reece James’ free-kick.
Chelsea continued to threaten, with Morgan Rogers striking the crossbar and Palmer later clipping the woodwork with a curling effort.
Welbeck finally broke Luton’s resistance when he headed home from close range, giving Chelsea a deserved lead.
Blues seal comfortable victory
The Blues remained in control after the interval and eventually doubled their advantage when Odoffin deflected Estevao’s shot into his own goal.
Keeley continued to impress, denying Palmer and Joao Pedro, while Jamie Gittens struck the post in stoppage time.
The victory gives Alonso a winning start in his first competitive home game as Chelsea manager and sends the Blues into the fourth round, where they will face Leeds United at Stamford Bridge during the week commencing 7 September.
With Chelsea not involved in European competition this season, the Carabao Cup could prove particularly important as Alonso looks to deliver silverware in his first campaign in charge.