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.
Follow live updates from Chelsea v Luton, below
Read MoreDanny Welbeck opens goalscoring account as Chelsea see off Luton in Carabao Cup
Chelsea agree deal to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa
Enzo Fernandez in talks over £120m Man City move after absence from Chelsea squad
Chelsea vs Luton Town - Carabao Cup second round
- Danny Welbeck scores first goal as Chelsea beat Luton 2-0 to book Leeds clash in Carabao Cup
- 79' GOAL! Estevao forces own goal as Chelsea cruise to victory over League One side [CHE 2-0 LUT]
- 50' GOAL! Welbeck rises to head in first Chelsea goal at start of second half [CHE 1-0 LUT]
- Enzo Fernandez in talks over £120m Man City move after absence from Chelsea squad
Scott still a chance
00:15 , Miguel DelaneyThe 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.
What Palmer has learnt from Alonso
23:45 , Alan SmithSpeaking 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."
Enzo Fernandez in talks over £120m Man City move after absence from Chelsea squad
23:15 , Miguel DelaneyManchester 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.
Enzo Fernandez in talks over £120m Man City move after absence from Chelsea squad
Sutton surveys Alonso's start
22:45 , Alan Smith“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.”
Carabao Cup third round draw
22:15 , Alan SmithCrystal Palace v Middlesbrough
Manchester United v Brighton
Manchester City v Norwich City
Sunderland v Hull City
Ipswich v Arsenal
Coventry v Aston Villa
Bournemouth v Lincoln
Liverpool v Tottenham
Chelsea v Leeds United
Millwall v Newcastle United
Fleetwood v Sheffield United
Everton v Wolves
Leyton Orient v Bradford City
Reading v Brentford
Peterborough v Barnsley
West Ham v Fulham
Up next
21:50 , Alan SmithAlonso now turns his attention to Sunday’s Premier League meeting at home to Brighton.
Wilshere will prep for Luton’s trip to Mansfield.
Palmer named player of the match
21:35 , Alan SmithChelsea 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.
Palmer: 'We've had a look at ourselves'
21:25 , Alan Smith“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.”
Cole Palmer's snap reaction
21:24 , Alan Smith“It was difficult. No matter who you play, if a team sits back it will be difficult. They were good. It was a tough game. I’m feeling good, it’s about kicking on now. I’m obviously well rested.”
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:22 , Alan SmithChelsea are through with minimal fuss and they will host Leeds United in a third-round tie next month.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:21 , Alan Smith94’ - No, they won’t. It’s struck too deep.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:20 , Alan Smith93’ - Luton win a corner entering the final minute. Will there be a consolation?
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:19 , Alan Smith92’ - Now Gittens hits the goalframe. Palmer is an option inside but Gittens decides to go it alone, driving a left-footed attempt off the post.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:18 , Alan Smith91’ - Palmer and Pedro bring saves out of Keeley, who has put in a performance deserving of much credit.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:17 , Alan Smith90’ - There will be four minutes added on. That feels excessive considering the circumstances.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:16 , Alan Smith88’ - Acheampong, fed by Barco, nods across goal and wide. In any case he’s flagged offside.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:11 , Alan Smith84’ - Another couple of minutes go by where Chelsea pass it about at walking pace. All 11 Luton players are sitting back.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:09 , Alan Smith82’ - Some Chelsea fans have seen enough and do not fancy the queue for a slow-moving District Line train home. They are heading for the exit. Luton Town, as far as this competition goes, are going that way too.
Chelsea 2-0 Luton
21:07 , Alan Smith80’ - Now Estevao is making way, replaced by Gittens.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Luton (Odoffin, 79og)
21:07 , Alan Smith79’ - And immediately from the restart the advantage is doubled, the tie is put beyond doubt.
Estevao, growing in confidence as the evening has progressed, drags a shot across goal. It looks like it’s going wide and Odoffin accidentally puts it into his own net at the back post.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
21:05 , Alan Smith78’ - Two more Luton changes as Marshall and Palmer make way, Wells and Cole are given a go to turn it around.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
21:02 , Alan Smith75’ - Now Pedro makes his way on. Some Chelsea fans show their frustration towards the officials for the delay.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
21:00 , Alan Smith73’ - No, Pedro is not yet on. The change was taking too long so the referee has restarted play. Chelsea will be down to 10 men until the ball next goes out. A good innovation.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
21:00 , Alan Smith72’ - That’s the end of Welbeck’s evening. A good start from the 35-year-old, with a goal on debut. Joao Pedro is on in his place.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:58 , Alan Smith71’ - This is beginning to feel a bit pre-season friendly. But Luton only need one chance...
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:55 , Alan Smith68’ - A triple Chelsea change: Gusto, Rogers, James are off, replaced by Hato, Lavia, Neto.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:54 , Alan Smith66’ - Now Luton’s Kasey Palmer tries his luck from 25 yards. It’s narrowly wide.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:52 , Alan Smith65’ - Palmer grazes the crossbar from range. The camera pans to Tuchel in the stands.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:49 , Alan Smith61’ - Here come the Luton changes. Benagr and Lawrence are replaced by Jones and Fox. Can they stop the one-way traffic?
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:47 , Alan Smith60’ - Welbeck, in the mood for more, flashes wide.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:46 , Alan Smith57’ - Estevao is perhaps not yet back to his sharpest after that long-term injury but there are clear signs of promise. He sends in an overhit cross from the right that goes straight out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:45 , Alan Smith55’ - Chelsea are dominating possession even more now, chasing a second goal. And there is really no way you can see Luton applying enough pressure to level unless Wilshere makes some magical changes.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:40 , Alan Smith52’ - Chelsea are beginning to purr. Estevao sets Palmer away. He shimmies left, right and back again under plenty of pressure from Johnston. His eventual attempt from a tight angle is turned out for a corner by Keeley.
Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:38 , Alan Smith50’ - Gusto hangs a pinpoint cross up from the right, allowing the veteran forward to rise high and power a header home.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Luton
20:37 , Alan Smith50’ - And Welbeck has his first Chelsea goal!
Restarted! Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:34 , Alan Smith46’ - Luton get us going again.
No changes for Chelsea at the break. Richards replaces Kodua for Luton.
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:17 , Alan Smith45’ - Next Palmer has a shot deflected for another corner. It comes from a lovely exchange between Chavarria and Rogers. The corner amounts to nothing and that is the break.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:15 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be one added minute.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:15 , Alan Smith44’ - And now Rogers rattles the bar at the other end.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:14 , Alan Smith44’ - Half a chance for Luton. Odoffin gets on the end of a delivery from the left but Penders makes the simple save.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:12 , Alan Smith42’ - Acheampong gets on a deep cross at the back stick. He tries to knock it down for Rogers but Keeley is alert and smothers the danger.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:11 , Alan Smith41’ - Chavarria is the next to have a go. His attempt is blocked for a corner that ends up being headed away.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:09 , Alan Smith39’ - Barco sends Estevao clean through but the young forward drags across goal and wide. That was a decent chance.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:07 , Alan Smith37’ - Luton have their first corner, earned via Estevao. It’s sent deep and Penders gets a not entirely convincing flapping glove to it. Another ball comes in and the big keeper is fouled.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:04 , Alan Smith34’ - James has a pop from range. Johnson blocks it.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
20:01 , Alan Smith30’ - The Luton fans are enjoying this now. Their team are beginning to frustrate Chelsea as the half wears on. Although their own attacking output has been negligible.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:59 , Alan Smith29’ - Welbeck does well, turning and flicking on to Rogers, but Marshall does well to put the latter off as he eyes up the shot.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:57 , Alan Smith27’ - Johnson extracts a foul from Gusto. Luton’s commitment deserves plenty of credit here.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:55 , Alan Smith22’ - Another Chelsea corner. They are yet to find much joy from these deliveries, even if Estevao has whipped this one in rather than going short.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:50 , Alan Smith20’ - Ashby concedes another corner. Luton are now hanging on a bit. Rogers takes this one short and it is cleared but the pressure will be straight back on the visitors.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:49 , Alan Smith19’ - Big save Keely. Palmer rolls the free kick to James and he curls towards the right corner. Luton’s keeper, at full stretch, makes a decent stop.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:48 , Alan Smith18’ - Estevao is chopped down by Marshall about two yards outside the box. It’s a rash, bad challenge. He’s lucky not to be booked.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:45 , Alan Smith15’ - Welbeck sends a glancing header right at Keeley.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:44 , Alan Smith14’ - Gusto, still stepping into midfield, drills high and wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:42 , Alan Smith11’ - Double save Keeley! Palmer’s initial attempt, after a give and go with Estevao, is parried by the Luton goalkeeper and the rebound is then palmed firmly away for a corner.
It is taken short to Palmer. He scuffs his effort wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:41 , Alan Smith10’ - Lovely stuff from Palmer, Welbeck and Rogers almost sets the latter away but he has the ball taken off his feet about 12 yards out, leading to a Chelsea corner that is then wasted.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:39 , Alan Smith9’ - Luton are doing a good job at keeping compact so far. Chelsea are dominating the ball and remain patient.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:37 , Alan Smith7’ - Neat hold up play from Marshall allows Luton to get forward for the first time but Ashby’s cross is cleared for a throw-in.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:34 , Alan Smith4’- Rogers send Palmer through but, from a tight angle, Chelsea’s star man finds the side netting.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:34 , Alan Smith4’ - Chelsea are lining up in a 4-2-3-1 but Gusto has already shown a determination to tuck into midfield when they are on the ball.
Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:32 , Alan Smith2’ - Loud boos for Barco from the away fans as he gets on the ball in midfield for the first time. This is something he will have to get used to for the next few months - until every England fan’s anger towards Argentina dissipates.
Kick-off! Chelsea 0-0 Luton
19:30 , Alan Smith1’ - The hosts gets us going, in blue and kicking from right to left.
Here come the teams!
19:29 , Alan SmithAnd the atmosphere sounds lively enough all things considered.
Xabi Alonso explains Enzo Fernandez’s absence from Chelsea squad amid Man City interest
19:20 , Jamie BraidwoodXabi Alonso said it was “decided” that Enzo Fernandez would not be in Chelsea’s squad to face Luton Town in the Carabao Cup, despite saying the previous day that he expected the midfielder to be involved.
Fernandez has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City this summer and Enzo Maresca’s side are expected to return with an offer for the Argentina international despite missing an informal deadline earlier this month.
“We assessed situations, individual and collective and we have decided he is not in the squad for today,” Alonso said before facing Luton, which is Chelsea’s first competitive home game of the new season.
Fernandez featured off the bench for Chelsea in their Premier League opener at Fulham on Monday and was booed by the home fans at Craven Cottage for his role in the Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England.
Fernandez received a comparatively warm reception from Chelsea supporters when he came on, having been previously booed during a friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge before the start of the season.
Chelsea 'agree' Martinez deal
19:19 , Alan SmithWhile we await kick-off there are multiple reports that Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Emi Martinez from Aston Villa for a reported £7.5m. He will sign a two-year deal with an option to extend by an additional 12 months.
Who is Chelsea youngster Reggie Watson?
19:16 , Alan SmithThe absence of senior midfielders, including Fernandez, means a chance for Reggie Watson to appear on the bench.
According to the BBC, the academy graduate will be Chelsea’s fourth youngest player in history if he is sprung on at 16 years and 214 days.
And if you think he looks familiar that is because his dad is Ben, the former Wigan Athletic player.
Third round dates
19:00 , Alan SmithThe third round will be played across the weeks of September 7 and 14 and will be dependent on the fixtures of those in European action.
Alonso eyes consistent growth
18:55 , Alan SmithSpeaking in his pre-match press conference, the new Chelsea head coach said he expects his team to improve gradually as the new campaign progresses.
“Most of the teams will get better and better in the weeks ahead and with more games,’ said Alonso. “We have some players that have just been back for two weeks, they are in good shape but they will get better.
“There are teams that have been working longer with their manager and so many ideas are already very established. With other projects, in different cases, it takes more time. So there will be a development of many concepts.
“As I said in another press conference, I think that we started our season Monday and the way we will be playing in January will be different. And I think it's going to be better, and the next year will be even better.”
Third round draw in full
18:41 , Alan SmithThere are still two more ties to be completed this evening (Fulham v Wimbledon is the other one) but here is how the next round is shaping up
Carabao Cup third round draw in full
Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough
Manchester United v Brighton
Manchester City v Norwich City
Sunderland v Hull City
Ipswich v Arsenal
Coventry v Aston Villa
Bournemouth v Lincoln
Liverpool v Tottenham
Chelsea or Luton v Leeds United
Millwall v Newcastle United
Fleetwood v Sheffield United
Everton v Wolves
Leyton Orient v Bradford City
Reading v Brentford
Peterborough v Barnsley
West Ham v Fulham or Wimbledon
Get yer half-n-half scarves
18:37 , Alan SmithMaybe it’s a memento for young Luton fans - even if this was a Premier League fixture not so long ago.
Two Chelsea debutants and one notable absentee
18:26 , Alan SmithNo Enzo Fernandez in the matchday squad for the hosts but there is a first start for Danny Welbeck up front and Valentin Barco in midfield.
Luton XI confirmed!
18:21 , Alan SmithHere is how the visitors line up.
Keeley; Ashby, Odoffin, Johnston, Johnson; Benagr, Walsh; Palmer, Lawrence, Kodua; Marshall.
Subs: Shea, Naismith, Andersen, Richards, Wells, Fox, Jones, Chigozie, Cole.
Your Carabao Cup Hatters ✊ pic.twitter.com/Ne2L4KL9ew
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) August 27, 2026
Chelsea XI confirmed!
18:17 , Alan SmithAnd it’s a strong team named by Alonso.
Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James, Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.
Subs: Sanchez, Anselmino, Hato, Watson, Lavia, Gittens, Neto, Emegha, Pedro.
Your Blues to face Luton Town in the Carabao Cup! 👊#CFC | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/pxCnJGI25f
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 27, 2026
Chelsea arrive at Stamford Bridge
18:12 , Jamie BraidwoodCole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are all among the Chelsea players to arrive at Stamford Bridge. Is Xabi Alonso going strong?
Full team news will be confirmed shortly.
No VAR in operation
18:10 , Alan SmithThis stage of the Carabao Cup will not have VAR in operation. Something many will no doubt be grateful of.
The prize for tonight's winners
18:05 , Alan SmithThe third round draw has already been made. Bizarre, right?
But both sides this evening know that a home encounter against Leeds United awaits in the third round.
A hint at Chelsea changes
18:05 , Alan SmithWe should have confirmed team news soon enough but Alonso has said that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are unavailable but goalkeeper Mike Penders might be given the nod between the posts. Wesley Fofana is suspended.
Welcome
18:00 , Alan SmithChelsea are not used to entering the Carabao Cup at this stage but after last season’s disappointment, this will represent the first opportunity for Xabi Alonso to win some silverware.
Luton Town will view this as a free hit because few will expect them to progress no matter how many changes the Blues make.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is 19:30 BST.
