PLAYER RATINGS: Palmer shines and Madueke impresses on his return
Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea ended their torrid 2023 with all three points - defeating Rob Edwards' Luton Town.
The Blues took the lead early on in the first half thanks to Cole Palmer - who netted a stunning strike just inside the Luton penalty box.
Late on in the first half, Chelsea doubled their lead - with Noni Madueke netting past Thomas Kaminski on his weaker foot.
Palmer thought he sealed the game for the London side, but back came Edwards' side. Ross Barkley scored a delightful header late on against his old club before Elijah Adebayo made it a nervy ending - but Pochettino's side held on.
So, here, Mail Sport rates Chelsea's players from Kenilworth Road.
Djordje Petrovic - 6
Once again filling in for the injured Robert Sanchez, the 24-year-old was a mere passenger. The Serbian shot-stopper was rarely threatened in the first half. Luton came back in the final 45 and was tested a fair bit towards the end. There was nothing he could've done about the two goals.
Malo Gusto - 7
As soon as Reece James is back, it is fair to say that Pochettino may have a selection headache. Gusto has came in recently and impressed the Blues faithful. The young Frenchman was constantly up and down the pitch and provided a real threat down that right flank - but his one versus one defending needs some slight improvement.
Axel Disasi - 6
While Thiago Silva ran the show at the back, Disasi was consistent when called upon and rarely put a foot wrong throughout the match. As the Hatters were pushing for a late equaliser, Disasi was involved in the game a lot more - and was reliable when needed.
Thiago Silva - 7.5
In a game where the Blues needed his expertise and experience, the Brazilian veteran delivered. At 39, Silva showed that he ages like a
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