Danny Welbeck’s debut goal helped Chelsea to a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town and set up a tie against old rivals Leeds.
League One side Luton, winners in 1988, had gone 15 games unbeaten in all competitions and offered plenty for a strong Chelsea side to worry about in a goalless first half.
But once evergreen Welbeck headed the opener Chelsea were in control and they added a second when Estevao’s cross was touched in by Hakeem Odoffin for an own goal.
Chelsea named a strong side featuring both Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer with Enzo Fernandez absent despite Xabi Alonso saying in the week he would feature.
Mike Penders made his debut in goal as reports suggest that Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez is on his way to the club.
Chelsea had set a deadline of last Friday for City to sign the Argentina international. However, they are still said to be open to a sale if they get at least £120million and are able to sign a replacement.
Chelsea have won the League Cup on five occasions – but surprisingly not since 2015 – and they could take some stopping if they continue to take it as seriously as this.
Estevao blasted wide and Rogers then hit the crossbar as Chelsea found some tempo at the end of the first half.
Chelsea had to step it up and took just five minutes of the second half to open the scoring as Welbeck rose to plant home a fine cross from Malo Gusto.
Palmer went close with a fine curling shot before Estevao’s devilish low ball was touched into his own net by Odoffin for the crucial second.
Substitute Jamie Gittens rattled the post in added time but Chelsea had enough in the bank to win.
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