Chelsea v Luton LIVE: Enzo Fernandez absence explained as Danny Welbeck scores in Carabao Cup victory | OneFootball

Danny Welbeck scored his first Chelsea goal as Xabi Alonso secured his first home victory as manager with a 2-0 win over Luton Town to set up a third-round Carabao Cup clash with rivals Leeds United.

Alonso named a strong side to face the League One outfit, selecting both Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, but it was the 36-year-old Welbeck who broke the deadlock early in the second half after Chelsea dominated the first.

The striker guided in Malo Gusto’s cross to head in, before Estevao forced the second and Luton defender Hakeem Odoffin turned into his own net. Jamie Gittens hit the post late on after Rogers smacked the crossbar in the first half.

Chelsea’s win came amid significant developments off the pitch, however. Manchester City remain in talks to sign Enzo Fernandez after the 25-year-old midfielder was left out of Alonso’s squad to face Luton, while the Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Chelsea vs Luton Town - Carabao Cup second round

Alonso on Fernandez move: Let's see how things develop

Asked whether he would like to keep Fernandez before the Luton match, Alonso added: “We want to have the best team possible. We know his qualities. He has shown it and we have to wait, but we will think about tomorrow and let's see how things develop.”

Alan Smith28 August 2026 01:15

Scott still a chance

The Independent understands Chelsea are prepared to go back to Bournemouth for midfielder Alex Scott after selling Fernandez. The Cherries have so far shut down any interest, but there's a belief a bid in excess of £80m, and probably closer to £90m, might bring reconsideration.

Miguel Delaney28 August 2026 00:15

What Palmer has learnt from Alonso

Speaking to Sky, the Chelsea forward says of his new head coach: "He was a top player himself, so he's telling me little bits, what positions to pick up and especially before the game, to look at the opposition and where we can hurt them."

Alan Smith27 August 2026 23:45

Enzo Fernandez in talks over £120m Man City move after absence from Chelsea squad

Manchester City remain in talks to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea after the 25-year-old midfielder was left out of Xabi Alonso’s side to face Luton in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea are holding out for a £120m fee for the Argentina international, which would make Fernandez City’s record signing after the £116m fee they paid for Elliot Anderson this summer.

Miguel Delaney27 August 2026 23:15

Sutton surveys Alonso's start

“Chelsea were always in control, Danny Welbeck with an excellent header for the first goal,” the former striker says on BBC 5Live.

“Jack Wilshere will be mightily proud with the effort and the organisation which his team showed. It's another important win for Xabi Alonso, two from two.

“Leeds United will be a tougher test but they weren't really in much danger. They controlled the game and used the bench well. It's been a good start for Alonso.

“No European football for Chelsea so he knows how important it will be for him to try and win a trophy for Chelsea this season and if he can it will be a huge success but he has only just started.”

Palmer named player of the match

Chelsea took 26 attempts on goal this evening.

Palmer struck eight.

He created another five.

Which goes a long way to explaining why he was named player of the match.

(PA)

Alan Smith27 August 2026 21:35

Palmer: 'We've had a look at ourselves'

“Last season wasn’t good enough. We’ve had a look at ourselves. There’s a new energy coming into the season. We’ll keep pushing on. The gaffer has already said every game, every competition, we’re there to win it.”

Alan Smith27 August 2026 21:25