Danny Welbeck scored his first goal for Chelsea as the Blues beat third-tier Luton Town 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to reach the third round of the League Cup.
Chelsea had opened the Xabi Alonso era with a 3-2 victory at Fulham on Monday, with the attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers impressing in the win.
But it was Welbeck, at 35, who made the difference against Luton, showing the value of experience by heading in Malo Gusto’s cross to break the visitors’ resistance after a goalless first half.
“I bring the average age a little bit higher!” Welbeck joked when asked what he could add to a Chelsea squad that has lacked experience in recent seasons.
“The experience of playing games, being around loads of different dressing rooms and knowing what is a good dressing room and a bad one. Knowing what it takes to achieve something special.”
Hakeem Odoffin’s own goal put the result beyond doubt after another dangerous delivery from Estevao, sending Chelsea into the last 32, where they will host Leeds.
Mike Penders was handed his Chelsea debut in goal following Robert Sanchez’s error-strewn performance against Fulham.
Alonso could soon have another experienced option at his disposal, with Argentina international Emiliano Martinez reportedly close to completing a move to London from Aston Villa.
However, Martinez’s international teammate Enzo Fernandez was not involved as he appears set for a move to Manchester City.
“We want to have a complete squad in all aspects. In quality, personality, young and experienced players — so the young players get help, and they are still players to develop,” Alonso said.
“I’m happy with the energy and attitude of the players.”
Fulham also secured their place in the third round with a comfortable 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
First-half goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Rodrigo Muniz put Alvaro Arbeloa’s side firmly in control before Gonzalo Garcia came off the bench to score for the second consecutive game since joining from Real Madrid.
Fulham will travel to West Ham in the third round.
I’ve kept the AFP-style structure and information while making the opening sharper, reducing repetition and improving the transitions between the Chelsea and Fulham sections.
AFP
