Jump directly to the content

Sponsored by

TAMMY ABRAHAM scored the hat-trick which finally eased Chelsea’s nerves and put them into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

But yet again Chelsea’s performance raised more questions than it answered for troubled boss Frank Lampard.

Tammy Abraham opened the scoring for Chelsea
7
Tammy Abraham opened the scoring for ChelseaCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Before heading home his second goal of the afternoon
7
Before heading home his second goal of the afternoonCredit: AP:Associated Press
Abraham celebrates his second goal with team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi
7
Abraham celebrates his second goal with team-mate Callum Hudson-OdoiCredit: AFP or licensors

For the Premier League side wasted several chances to make this victory against a mid-table Championship side far less worrying than it needed to be.

And erratic Kepa Arrizabalaga’s now trademark blunder followed by a world-class save only fuelled the debate around their enigmatic reserve keeper.

Abraham’s first two goals came in the 11th and 17th minutes and Luton looked set to be blown away by a Chelsea team looking to take out its Premier League frustrations on them in the FA Cup.

Abraham's opener should have been chalked off as there were two balls on the pitch, which left Luton fuming.

Kepa Arrizabalaga somehow allowed Jordan Clark's tame effort to creep over the line
7
Kepa Arrizabalaga somehow allowed Jordan Clark's tame effort to creep over the lineCredit: Reuters
But Arrizabalaga redeemed himself with a fine stop from Harry Cornick
7
But Arrizabalaga redeemed himself with a fine stop from Harry CornickCredit: EPA
Abraham nets his hat-trick goal
7
Abraham nets his hat-trick goalCredit: Getty Images - Getty

But a mistake by Kepa allowed Luton to pull one back with their first shot of the match after half an hour.

Jordan Clark hit a cross on the half volley and what looked like a routine stop turned nightmare for the Spaniard.

That then triggered a 44-minute spell in which Chelsea at times looked ready to crumble and also squandered a hatful of opportunities to put the game beyond doubt.

Christian Pulisic was the chief culprit for missing a sitter and put another effort over the bar.

Timo Werner looks dejected after having a late penalty saved
7
Timo Werner looks dejected after having a late penalty savedCredit: Reuters

Most read in Football

Ex-EFL boss grabs his own player and furiously shoves him after red card
PUSHING IT

Ex-EFL boss grabs his own player and furiously shoves him after red card

Mason Greenwood told to consider suing Man Utd by his reps after Mendy court win
WAGES WAR

Mason Greenwood told to consider suing Man Utd by his reps after Mendy court win

Mourinho 'identifies shock Prem manager's job he is ready to take straight away'
JOSE DREAM

Mourinho 'identifies shock Prem manager's job he is ready to take straight away'

Bellingham drops huge hint over relationship with model Laura Celia Valk
LAUR AND ORDER

Bellingham drops huge hint over relationship with model Laura Celia Valk

And when Luton did threaten it needed Kepa to pull off a spectacular one-handed stop from Harry Cornick in the second half to keep Chelsea ahead and stop this game becoming a genuine nail-biter.

Abraham finally confirmed Chelsea’s place in the last 16 and an away day at Barnsley by turning home a cross from sub Callum Hudson-Odoi.

But to add a final irksome note for Lampard, out-of-form striker Timo Werner had an 85th-minute penalty saved after being tripped on a run through to goal.

⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

Frank Lampard comes out fighting with his job on the line to attack reporters criticising Chelsea
Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU