A VIRTUOSO performance by Raheem Sterling inspired Chelsea to their first victory under Mauricio Pochettino.
The England star has looked a man reborn under the Argentine and continued to thrive against Luton.
Rob Edwards’ side travelled to West London facing an uphill battle, having began life in the Premier League with a 4-1 thumping at Brighton.
But the Blues may have gone into this evening’s clash feeling nervy themselves, having not won at home since March 7.
Sterling had fans feeling more assured on 17 minutes when he fired past Thomas Kaminsky with a low, left-footed effort.
He then made it two in the second half, finishing first time from Malo Gusto’s excellent cross.
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Sterling turned provider on 75 minutes, putting the ball on a plate for Nicolas Jackson to score his first Chelsea goal.
On a great night for Pochettino and Co, SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Chelsea performer.
Robert Sanchez – 6
Provided some decent distribution from the back on a comfortable evening.
The Spaniard was hardly challenged at all by Luton’s front line.
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Malo Gusto – 7
Found plenty of space in behind early on. Went on to provide a brilliant cut-back to assist Raheem Sterling in the second-half.
Early signs suggest he’ll easily prove to be an adequate deputy to Reece James.
Axel Disasi – 6
Clumsily caught on the ball in the 27th minute, but was bailed out by Carlton Morris’ inability to make him pay. Also bizarrely whacked a cross-field pass out of play early in the second period.
Looked unsure of himself at times and will have much tougher tests than this during the course of the campaign.
Thiago Silva – 6
Looked unruffled at the heart of the Blues’ defence in the first-half. Benefited from having Disasi and Levi Colwill either side of him.
Did start to have some shaky moments in the second period, however – would he get into the team if Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana were fit?
Levi Colwill – 7
Beaten by Issa Kabore with ease on 41 minutes. Otherwise provided some nice passes out from the back and mostly solid defending.
With Chelsea’s injury woes, the former Brighton loanee is finally getting the opportunity to show his class at Stamford Bridge.
Conor Gallagher – 7
Provided exceptional link-up play with his fellow midfielders and ran all evening. It’s clear to see why Mauricio Pochettino is so keen to keep the Cobham talent.
On this showing it would be lunacy to sell him, amid interest from London rivals Tottenham and West Ham.
Moises Caicedo – 7
Caught dawdling in possession in his own half on eight minutes, and was fortunate that Tahith Chong blazed his subsequent shot high and wide.
The new £115million signing grew into the match and began linking up well with his fellow midfielders, showing signs of promise for what’s to come, particularly when Romeo Lavia is added to the mix.
Raheem Sterling – 9
Brilliantly slalomed through Luton’s defence before slotting home a left-footed shot to give Chelsea a 17th minute lead. Nearly grabbed an assist for Fernandez with a teasing delivery, only for the Argentine to strike the post.
Swept home Gusto’s inviting centre on 68 minutes to grab his second, before setting up Nicolas Jackson not long later. Looks a man reborn under Pochettino.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Began the match with an array of beautiful tricks and flicks. Smacked a left-footed shot over the bar on 14 minutes. Then denied by the post early in the second half.
The Argentine was deployed in a more advanced role than we saw last season, with Sterling excelling to his right.
Ben Chilwell – 6
Continued to play in a new, more advanced role – although did occasionally drop into the back line. Captain in James’ absence, Chilwell tried to provide his typical spark down the left flank.
But the England star inexplicably tried to pass to Sterling despite having the goal at his mercy on 50 minutes, and will need to find a more clinical edge if he is to keep playing in a more forward position.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Doesn’t lack for effort. The summer signing from Villarreal worked his socks off for his side. But a series of loose touches and poor passes may have some fans concerned over whether he can be a reliable front man for the Blues.
Did provide some sparks in the second-half, however, flicking for Chilwell before later having a shot well saved by Kaminsky, and managed to grab a goal from close range 15 minutes from time after being set up by Sterling.
Substitutes
Lesley Ugochukwu (for Jackson, 83) – N/A
Not enough time to make an impact.
Ian Maatsen (for Chilwell, 86) – N/A
Like Ugochuwku, didn’t get much of an opportunity to shine.
Mason Burstow (for Sterling, 90+2) – N/A
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Will cherish making his Stamford Bridge debut in the Premier League.
Subs not used: Bergstrom, Beach, Humphreys, Cucurella, Moreira, Madueke
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
