Welbeck scores on debut as Chelsea beat Luton in Carabao Cup

Chelsea progressed to the third round of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 2-0 victory over League One side Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso named a strong starting XI, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers both featuring as Chelsea looked to maintain their unbeaten start under their new manager. However, Luton arrived in confident mood, having gone 15 matches without defeat in all competitions, and frustrated the hosts during a goalless first half.

The hosts gradually increased the pressure, with Rogers striking the crossbar late in the opening period and Estêvão also going close.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart when Malo Gusto delivered an inviting cross into the box and Danny Welbeck rose above the Luton defence to head home on his Chelsea debut.

Chelsea eventually found their second in the 70th minute. Estêvão drove into the box and sent a dangerous low delivery across goal, with Luton defender Hakeem Odoffin unable to prevent the ball from deflecting into his own net.

The visitors offered little threat in response as Chelsea controlled the closing stages. Jamie Gittens struck the post in stoppage time, while João Pedro was also denied from close range, but two goals were enough to send the Blues through.

Chelsea will face Leeds United in the third round.

Mike Penders , Reece James , Malo Gusto , Josh Acheampong , Maxence Lacroix , Pep Chavarría, Valentín Barco, Estêvão, Cole Palmer , Danny Welbeck , Morgan Rogers

Josh Keeley, Harrison Ashby , George Johnston, Joe Johnson, Benedict Benagr, Hakeem Odoffin , Kasey Palmer , Liam Walsh , Emilio Lawrence, Gideon Kodua, Callum Marshall

Danny Welbeck scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Malo Gusto.

GOAL Chelsea: Danny Welbeck (Chelsea) scores!

Danny Welbeck scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches) Danny Welbeck scores goal number 2 for his team (2 matches)

Hakeem Odofin scores an own goal, making it 2-0.

GOAL Luton Town: Hakeem Odoffin (Luton Town) socres an own goal!

The referee whistles for the end of the match