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Football London
Football London
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Scott Trotter

What Antonio Rudiger did after Thomas Tuchel's surprise Chelsea decision against Luton

While the night's narrative was dominated by the confirmation that Roman Abramovich planned to sell Chelsea, things only got more dramatic at Kenilworth Road when Reece Burke opened the scoring for the Hatters.

That was only a sign of things to come as Chelsea had a false dawn thanks to Saul Niguez's confident strike into the corner with a very composed finish. As Thomas Tuchel's side started to dominate proceedings, it all went wrong again when Harry Cornick took advantage of an unfamiliar back three to reestablish the Hatters' lead before half time.

Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku were able to spare Chelsea's blushes in the second half with Romelu Lukaku putting through a perfect pass to the German who finished coolly. The former Leipzig star then turned provider in a good move that allowed Lukaku to net on his return to the starting XI.

football.london takes a look at the moments you may have missed during the game.

Chelsea fans pay tribute

As reporters and supporters alike waited for Chelsea's team news to drop with rumours of Ruben Loftus-Cheek starting in the backline, they were instead faced with a rare statement from Abramovich as he announced his intention to depart the club.

The Russian owner stated: "I have always taken decisions with the club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners."

The 55-year-old bought Chelsea for £140million in 2003 and wrote that he will not ask for any loans to be repaid and that net proceeds from the sale will be donated to a charitable foundation he sets up for victims of the war in Ukraine.

What that actually means and results in remains to be seen. His impact on Chelsea fans over the last 20 years is undeniable with the club having unprecedented success in his tenure.

As a result, it was perhaps unsurprising to hear the away supporters voice their appreciation before the game: "Roman Abramovich, Roman Abramovich, Roman Abramovich."

Luton's fans didn't take too kindly to that and spouted renditions of: "You're getting sold in the morning", and added plenty of boos in return.

What Kepa Arrizabalaga did

With Luton leading and playing well their momentum was slowed when Jed Steer went down with what appeared to be an ankle or Achilles injury. His fall did enough to put Romelu Lukaku off but he was unable to get back to his feet and received lengthy medical attention.

As Steer was stretchered off to the applause of the Luton faithful, Kepa made his way from the Chelsea to share a few words with the Aston Villa loanee and to tap him on the stomach in a move that was appreciated by stopper.

Thomas Tuchel surprise

Despite Chelsea's first half struggles and the Blues falling behind Tuchel barely emerged from his dugout in the first half.

Usually the 48-year-old German can barely be taken away from his technical area with his arm gestures practically propelling him out of his seat involuntarily. In the cold Luton night it prompted him to really feel some anger before voicing his opinion with some gusto.

The Hatters' second goal did that.

The Chelsea head coach was livid the offside flag wasn't raised in the build-up to Harry Cornick's goal. He was straight in the face of the fourth official, but replays seemed to show the forward was onside - though it was tight. Perhaps the weekend's events have given Tuchel a new view of offside. No VAR at Kenilworth Road.

Antonio Rudiger's reaction

Speaking of reactions to Luton's second goal, Antonio Rudiger looked perplexed.

As make-shift centre back Ruben Loftus-Cheek burst away from the backline to press the ball, Malang Sarr had to react as he swiftly became the final man tracking Cornick as he made a run into the Chelsea half. The Frenchman paused in an attempt to step up and play offside but the ball game too quickly, leaving Sarr to only chase back in vain.

When back upright he could only look around with half a smile in disbelief at what just happened as he turned back to look at Kepa. His surprise at his teammates was undeniable in that moment, though Loftus-Cheek made up for his part somewhat with his assist later in the evening.

How Jorginho reacted to Harvey Vale

Young Cobham product Harvey Vale made his latest first team appearance when he replaced Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 62nd minute.

The Under-23s star has had an impressive season in the academy and looked to impressed under the watchful eye of Tuchel.

It wasn't long until he made his impact felt with a strike on the Luton goal and his captain was quick to show his appreciation.

Jorginho firmly applauded the effort to provide his support for his young teammate. And the Blues did score twice after Vale's introduction.

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