With two goals from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson’s debut goal for the Londoners, Chelsea defeated Premier League newcomers Luton Town 3-0 at home on Friday to win their first competitive game under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
One of Sterling’s best goals while wearing a Chelsea jersey came in the 17th minute when he took the ball from wing back Malo Gusto, cut in from the right, and maneuvered through the Luton defense.
When Gusto pounced on a ball from Chelsea’s British record transfer signing Moises Caicedo in the 68th minute, looking composed on his debut, the Frenchman crossed for a straightforward finish by Sterling.
When Jackson received the cross from the England winger seven minutes later, the Senegal striker stretched out his boot to score his first goal for Chelsea since joining from Villarreal in June.
After a 1-1 draw against Liverpool on opening day and a 3-1 loss at West Ham United last Sunday, it was the big-spending Blues’ first victory of the year. It was also only their second victory in 15 Premier League games, including their appalling run last season.
After losing 4-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion in their first game, Luton was playing in just their second top-division match in 31 years. Their team was mostly made up of players from lower levels, and they missed an opportunity to tie the game on the hour.
Gusto partially deflected Ryan Giles’ shot just as Robert Sanchez lunged for the looping ball when Giles had the goal at his mercy.
After the troubles of the previous season under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, both of whom were fired, Pochettino kept his pledge to get the Blues playing appealing football by leading Chelsea to their first home league victory since March 4.
Since leaving Manchester City in July of last year, Sterling has failed to find consistent form. However, under the Argentine, Sterling has blossomed.
“I had a conversation with the gaffer earlier last week and we’ve gone through the role and I know exactly what he needs from me and it’s as simple as that,” Sterling said.
“I came in a difficult period, that’s all finished,” he added. “I think the most important thing, I’ve had a look at myself and I’m a person who always tries to analyse what I’ve been doing, what I’ve done wrong, what I can change.”
In a less spectacular way, Friday’s victory was also significant because Caicedo effectively filled the midfield anchor position for Chelsea, allowing Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher to advance further and exert more pressure on an inferior Luton team.
