Chelsea have claimed their first Premier League win of the season under Mauricio Pochettino, following a 3-0 win over Luton Town on Friday, August 25.
A draw with Liverpool and a defeat against West Ham put increased pressure on the visit of Luton, who had a longer break after the postponement of their meeting with Burnley. There were nervy moments, but Chelsea finally had a result to go with the smaller positives of the first two games.
The game had threatened to drift into familiar goal-shy territory for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but they got a goal in the first half. Raheem Sterling was able to drill in a goal in the 17th through a superb solo effort.
Picking up the ball wide on the right, he drove in from the wing with purpose, darting into the box and cutting inside three defenders before sliding a left-footed finish past goalkeeper Thomas Kaminsky.
His second came after Chelsea mounted more pressure in the second half. Malo Gusto whipped a low ball into the box to a wide-open Sterling, who swept it home into the bottom corner.
Stamford Bridge suddenly found its mood transformed, and within minutes it was three. Enzo Fernandez sent a clever spinning ball up to Sterling, whose cross took a slight deflection before finding Nicolas Jackson who poked home his first competitive goal in Chelsea colours.
In spite of the win over Luton Town, if Chelsea are to view this victory as evidence they don’t need a striker in the window, it would be papering over cracks particularly as injuries could yet come into play.
Chelsea undoubtedly look stronger in defence and midfield but their attack remains unconvincing. The problem Chelsea have is there are no standout options available on the market and furthermore, it’s clear they need to be careful with Financial Fair Play.
