Danny Welbeck scored his first goal for Chelsea as the Blues defeated third-tier Luton Town 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to advance to the third round of the League Cup.
Chelsea entered the match on the back of a 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday, with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers impressing in their first competitive game under new manager Xabi Alonso.
However, it was 35-year-old Welbeck who made the difference against Luton, heading in Malo Gusto’s cross to break the visitors’ resistance after a goalless first half.
The experienced forward said he could offer valuable experience to a Chelsea squad that has lacked it in recent seasons.
“I bring the average age a little bit higher!” Welbeck said.
“The experience of playing games, being around loads of different dressing rooms and knowing what is a good dressing room and a bad one. Knowing what it takes to achieve something special.”
Chelsea doubled their advantage when Hakeem Odoffin turned Estevao’s dangerous delivery into his own net, effectively ending Luton’s hopes of a comeback.
The victory set up a third-round home tie against Leeds United.
Mike Penders was handed his first start in goal after Robert Sanchez endured an error-prone performance against Fulham.
Chelsea could soon add further experience to their squad, with reports suggesting a deal to bring Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa is close to completion.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez was absent from the squad amid reports linking the Argentine midfielder with a move to Manchester City.
Alonso said Chelsea were looking to build a balanced squad combining youth, experience, quality and personality.
“We want to have a complete squad in all aspects. In quality, personality, young and experienced players — so the young players get help, that they are still players to develop,” Alonso said.
