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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
James Robson

Chelsea player ratings vs Luton: Classy Ruben Loftus-Cheek pulls the strings on a tough night for Malang Sarr

Hours after Roman Abramovich announced he has put Chelsea up for sale, the Blues beat Luton 3-2 to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

James Robson was at Kenilworth Road to rate the Chelsea players...

Kepa Arrizabalaga 6

Let down by his defenders for both of Luton’s goals. Not too much he could have done to stop either.

Toni Rudiger 6

Seemed frustrated as Chelsea’s defence struggled to gel. Luton spotted gaps around him to exploit.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek 8

He isn’t a centre back and was exposed at times. But it was his pin-point ball that created Werner’s second half equaliser and then, when moved into midfield, he cut open the Luton defence in the build-up to Lukaku’s strike.

Malang Sarr 5

Beaten in the air for Burke’s opener and then far too easily in a foot race with Cornick for Luton’s second goal. Generally looked uncomfortable in a makeshift back three.

Callum Hudson-Odoi 6

One of Chelsea’s better players in the first half. Lively and took the opportunity to stretch the Luton defence, but less effective after the break.

Jorginho 6

Would have expected to have more influence on midfield. Struggled to pick out decisive passes.

Saul Niguez 7

Might have scored a first half hat-trick. Took his goal well and got up in support effectively from midfield.

Kenedy 5

His first game since 2018. Forced a good save from Isted, but looked rusty at times.

Mason Mount 6

Kept pressure on the Luton defence well with his darts into the box and used the ball well.

Romelu Lukaku 7

Slid in the winner after Chelsea twice fought back. Worked hard for much of the game without much service before getting his reward.

Timo Werner 7

For long periods it looked like being another frustrating night, but there was no mistake when bringing down Loftus-Cheek’s lofted pass to equalise – and then he provided the cross for Lukaku to score.

Substitutes

Christian Pulsic (Kenedy, 61) 6

Fresh legs helped to stretch Luton when Chelsea dominated possession.

Harvey Vale (Hudson-Odoi, 62) 5

Looked comfortable and added energy to Chelsea.

Reece James (Jorginho, 76) 6

Looks so fresh since his comeback and adds so much to Chelsea on the right of attack.

Subs not used: Mendy, Williams, Hall, Kante, Kovacic, Barkley

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