Palmer at the double as Chelsea sink battling Luton

Chelsea’s English midfielder #20 Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Luton Town and Chelsea at Kenilworth Road in Luton, north of London on December 30, 2023. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP)

Cole Palmer struck twice as Chelsea survived a late scare to banish their away-day blues with a 3-2 win against Premier League strugglers Luton on Saturday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were in complete control when Palmer scored his second goal to put the visitors three up with 20 minutes to play.

Palmer had opened the scoring at Kenilworth Road before Noni Madueke doubled Chelsea’s lead late in the first half.

But former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley netted to spark a spirited finish from third bottom Luton, who scored again through Elijah Adebayo in a dramatic finale.

Chelsea’s second consecutive win was their first success away from home since a victory at Tottenham on November 6, ending a four-game losing streak on their travels.

If that was encouraging for Pochettino, the manner of their late bout of nerves suggested there is still much to work on for an inconsistent team languishing in 10th place.

“I’m so pleased because we need to be great to beat Luton. It’s difficult to play here,” Pochettino said.

“We are a young team. They need to work together to create this trust and confidence.

“This type of result when you need your team-mates to fight with you will be a really good thing.”

On Chelsea defender Thiago Silva’s visible frustration at the final whistle, Pochettino added: “Thiago is like this. He is always moaning and never happy but that is good.”

Pochettino’s first competitive win as Chelsea boss came in the reverse fixture against Luton back in August.

But they