Chelsea took on Championship side Luton Town in a Sunday lunchtime FA Cup clash and came out with a 3-1 victory.
Making seven changes to the starting line-up and Mason Mount taking on the captaincy for the day, the West London side put on a fine attacking display.
With some assured performances and an excellent Tammy Abraham hat-trick, we take a look at how the players performed on the day.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Having replaced Mendy for the up fixture, it looked as though the Spanish keeper was set to put on an all too familiar performance when he let Luton’s first shot on target slip through his grasp to bring the Championship side back into the game. In the second half, however, the Spaniard made some impressive stops to prevent what could have been an embarrassingly difficult afternoon for the Blues. Rating – 6
Reece James
James is still working his way back to full fitness but if his performance is anything to go by, he isn’t far off it. A constant presence up and down the right flank, the Englishman put on a stellar display and looked to be back to his scintillating best. Topped off with an exquisite assist for Tammy Abraham’s second, it was a fantastic all-round performance from the young defender. Rating – 8
Andreas Christensen
The out-of-favour centre back showed composure on the ball and helped to dictate the pace of the game from the back. The big Dane showed a physical presence that has often been missing from his performances in games past. Luton did struggle to cause the Chelsea back-line problems, but Christensen did his job. Rating – 7
Kurt Zouma
A commanding performance from the big Frenchman. Powerful in the air and good with his feet, Zouma looked untroubled for the vast majority of the game. Another Solid display. Rating – 7.5
Emerson Palmieri
Brought in to give Ben Chilwell a rest, the Brazilian-born left-back was a constant attacking threat on the flank and linked up well with the forward players. For a player who has struggled for game-time this season, the Italian looked at home in Chelsea’s line-up on the day. Rating – 7
Mason Mount
Captain for the day. Mount wore the armband for the first time in his young career and yet again showed his quality. Chelsea’s number 19 showed tenacity and strength in a deeper role than normal and was able to find plenty of forward passes to keep the attacking momentum flowing. Rating – 7.5
Billy Gilmour
The Scotsman showed yet again that he is more than capable of playing a key role in Chelsea’s midfield. The youngster was constantly looking for forward passes and controlled the game well throughout. A few misplaced passes but nothing that can’t be ironed out in time. Rating – 8
Hakim Ziyech
A wizard on the ball. The Moroccan was a constant threat to the Luton Town defence and caused all sorts of problems. His trickery and direct passing into the pockets was decisive in key moments in the game. One of the Blues’ best performers on the day. Rating – 8
Christian Pulisic
Playing in a free-roam style role across the forward line, the American produced some dazzling runs and fine touches throughout. His final product is still leaving a bit to be desired at the moment, but with a strong run of games he could be back to his best soon enough. Rating – 6
Timo Werner
Having got the assist for Tammy’s early opener, it looked as though it could finally be the German’s day. His pace and positional play caused real problems for the Luton defence, but his lack of confidence in front of goal reared it’s ugly head again. Having latched onto an excellent through ball from substitute Mateo Kovacic, Werner looked set to score as he rounded the keeper – only to be brought down for a penalty. With a glorious chance to settle his own nerves, the German’s spot kick was saved and the game ended before Timo could grab a goal. Rating – 6.5
Tammy Abraham
Hat-trick hero! A World-beating performance from the big striker who completed his first hat-trick at Stamford Bridge. With a cool finish into the far corner, a towering header, and a simple tap-in to round off an exquisite team goal, Abraham put on a man of the match display in the FA Cup and is asking all the right questions regarding a starting position in the upcoming Premier League Fixtures. Rating – 10
Substitutes: Hudson-Odoi – 8, Kai Havertz – 7.5, Olivier Giroud – 7, Mateo Kovacic – 7.
Overall it was a promising performance against a lower league side who showed signs of putting up a fight. With attacking phases looking much slicker and the players moving the ball with much more urgency, there are reasons to look forward to the Wolves game with some confidence.