Timo Werner has penalty saved as woes continue, but Tammy Abraham hat-trick sees Chelsea to victory over Luton
Timo #Timo
Timo Werner saw a late penalty saved by Luton goalkeeper Simon Sluga, however a Tammy Abraham hat-trick took Chelsea to a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The German striker is currently on an 11-game goal drought in the Premier League and looked to have the perfect opportunity to build some confidence in the FA Cup fourth round.
However, his shot from 12 yards was easily parried away.
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Werner’s frustrations were clear to see
The match began with a controversial opening goal from Abraham.
When the ball went out of play for a Chelsea throw in on the right-hand side, it bounced back onto the pitch off of the advertising board.
Hakim Ziyech grabbed an alternative ball and took a quick throw to set Timo Werner away further up the field.
He then pulled it back to Abraham who produced a fine finish.
Luton midfielders pointed to the fact there were two balls on the pitch as soon as Ziyech took the throw.
Mason Mount quickly kicked the extra ball back out of play and the officials ultimately decided that this did not affect the attack and subsequent goal.
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Abraham’s finish was of high quality
There were two balls on the pitch, but officials decided this did not impact the Luton defenders
Luton protests went ignored.
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said in his role as a BBC pundit at half time: “I think Luton is a little bit unlucky.
“If the ref sees it, then he will blow this back. I know for Chelsea it’s a great moment, but Luton is a little bit unlucky there.”
Danny Murphy added: “Yes, it interferes if you’re a player on the pitch watching the ball
“I think they’ve got every reason to be upset because, as a centre-half or centre-midfielder, you’re watching the ball that’s on the pitch thinking, ‘What are they gonna do with it?’
“While the other one five or ten yards away has been thrown in behind your back players.
“I don’t think it should’ve stood, I don’t think it should’ve been a goal.”
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Kepa was beaten too easily for Luton’s goal
Abraham quickly put Chelsea 2-0 up with a fine header, turning in Reece James’ smartly-lofted cross.
After a sluggish opening few minutes adjusting to a new formation, the Blues settled well and fully merited their two-goal lead.
However, Jordan Clark slotted home for Luton on the half-hour mark to keep the visitors in the tie at 2-1 down.
Kepa reached the low effort with both foot and hand, and yet somehow still failed to keep it out.
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Abraham secured a hat-trick
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Werner’s penalty was poor
Having missed a few opportunities early in the second half, Abraham finally completed his hat-trick in the closing stages to put Chelsea 3-1 up.
The striker turned home Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross, after the replacement winger had exchanged passes with Billy Gilmour on the edge of the Luton box.
Werner then stepped up for the penalty that he had won, only to miss the spot-kick late on.
Sluga made a good save, palming to safety, but Werner will have been frustrated with his average strike.
The game ended 3-1, meaning Chelsea will play Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round.