Raheem Sterling proved Chelsea’s match-winner by scoring a brace to earn Mauricio Pochettino’s first win against Luton on Friday night.
The 28-year-old has now strung together three excellent displays under his new manager who finally got the win his team’s improved performances deserved.
Nicolas Jackson sealed victory with a late strike which ended a run of eight games without a win at Stamford Bridge.
With the atmosphere rejuvenated in west London, Nizaar Kinsella picks out three points of interest from an important win.
Sterling is becoming Chelsea’s main man
The England international is very much back to his best. His first goal evoked memories of the legendary Eden Hazard as he slalomed through three or four defenders before placing his finish past Thomas Kaminski.
Sterling looked uninhibited throughout, driving at the Luton backline time and again until he eventually sealed the win, turning in a Malo Gusto cutback, the kind of goal he scored time and again at Manchester City.
His low cross gave Jackson an important first goal in Chelsea colours to seal victory.
Relief for Jackson
Jackson has been excellent since joining Chelsea but hadn’t been able to score his first goal. Against Luton, he would have known this was a great opportunity to open his account but the weight of expectation seemed to hurt his performance.
The 21-year-old looked nervous, unthreatening and made several mistakes in possession that he didn’t against either Liverpool or West Ham.
However, after sticking at it, he got the goal his overall performances across three games have deserved, tapping in from close range.
Caicedo brings balance
Chelsea were obsessed with signing Moises Caicedo and ultimately paid the price, namely a British transfer record £115million to Brighton.
They ultimately believe he will be worth it and, after a nervy start in which he gave away the ball to allow Tahith Chong a chance, he regained control of the midfield.
His sheer presence left Chelsea feeling more secure and gave Enzo Fernandez licence to play exceptionally in a more forward-thinking role. Conor Gallagher played alongside him and also improved in his presence.
There’s more to come from the Ecuadorian defensive midfielder but he has, at least, shown what he can do after a difficult debut at the London Stadium last week.
