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Last night, Luton Town fell to a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, courtesy of Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea. Raheem Sterling was the star for the West London side, a consistent problem for the Hatters' defence all evening, as well as playing a hand in all three Chelsea goals.
As with the Brighton game two weeks prior, the Town were far from embarrassed by their big spending adversaries, and were well in the contest until Sterling added Chelsea's second on 68 minutes. It wasn't to be for Rob Edwards' side however, and a late Nicolas Jackson goal further widened the gap between the two sides at the final whistle.
Player Ratings
Thomas Kaminski - 6
The Belgian shot-stopper could do very little with Chelsea's three goals, and produced another solid performance between the sticks. The Luton No.1 made smart saves from Sterling and Jackson, and was confident throughout with the ball at his feet.
Issa Kabore - 5
The loanee struggled up against a star-studded Chelsea attack, and should've been punished by Ben Chilwell after losing possession to the wing back, only for Chilwell to opt to square the ball whilst through on goal. Like two weeks ago, Kabore found himself in some dangerous positions in the final third, but failed to produce the final ball.
Reece Burke - 7
Returning from injury, Burke slotted back into the side seamlessly, alongside Lockyer and Bell in a back three. Perhaps slight question marks over his positioning for the third Chelsea goal, but Sterling's deflected cross would've caught out most defenders at this level. The centre-back impressed on the ball, making a couple of his trademark bursts up the pitch, and often starting the Hatters' attacks.
Tom Lockyer - 6
Looked as if it was going to be a long evening for the Welshman after he was spun by the lively Nicolas Jackson in the first ten minutes, but the Luton captain recovered well to put in a solid performance. His aggressive style of play was hampered slightly by a first-half yellow card and his game-long battle with Jackson did end with a goal for the Senegalese forward.
Amari Bell - 6
Up against Raheem Sterling, it was always going to be a tough task for the centre back and so it proved. The winger wriggled past Bell for the first goal and also managed to get a cross beyond the Jamaican for Chelsea's third. For large periods, the former Blackburn man was comfortable, but he just came unstuck up against some moments of magic from a world-class player.
Ryan Giles - 5
Difficult evening for the ex-Wolves man, who was pinned back for the majority of the game due to Chelsea's dominance in possession. However, when Luton did attack, he often received the ball in dangerous areas, but struggled to capitalise on the opportunities. His crossing was poor and there will be calls for Alfie Doughty to regain his place in the team for West Ham at home.
Marvellous Nakamba - 7
Similar to Lockyer, Nakamba was hampered by a first half yellow card, but the midfielder seemed to get better after his caution. It was always going to be a tough ask up against a midfield pairing worth £250 million but Nakamba held his own, often winning the ball back and setting up Luton counter attacks.
Tahith Chong - 5
On the ball, Tahith Chong has undoubted quality, as well as a superb knack of drawing fouls and relieving pressure in tight situations. However, he struggled with the defensive aspect of his game, seemingly bypassed by the technically gifted Chelsea midfield. Should thrive against the lesser teams when the Town have more possession.
Ross Barkley - 6
Clearly not quite at full match fitness, but it is already evident that Ross Barkley is going to be vital to the Hatters' survival bid this season. The ex-Chelsea man brought composure and calm in possession, rarely giving the ball away as he kept the Luton attacks ticking. Looks a very exciting signing for the Town.
Carlton Morris - 6
The striker struggled to make an impact on an impenetrable Chelsea back three, and was starved of chances throughout. As always worked incredibly hard, won a few flick-ons, and almost found himself through on goal late in the first half. Even without seeing much of the ball was still Luton's biggest goal threat.
Elijah Adebayo - 7
A tough assignment facing up to Levi Colwill but the striker did well despite not seeing much of the ball. His hold-up play was very good throughout, bringing others into the attack. Adebayo worked tirelessly off the ball, and even nicked possession off the Chelsea defenders a couple of times. Unfortunately struggled to provide much of a goal threat.
Jacob Brown and Alfie Doughty - 6
Both Brown and Doughty came on just after Sterling made it 2-0 so the game was effectively over. However, both put themselves about and brought energy to a tiring Luton side. Wouldn't be surprised to see one, or both, start against West Ham next Friday.
Mads Andersen, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu and Chiedozie Ogbene - 5
Triple substitution at 3-0 down left these three with little opportunity to make an impact on the game.