Chelsea survived a late fightback from Luton to claim an important win in a thrilling game at Kenilworth Road.
The Blues started the match brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute, a poor clearance from Luton's Issa Kabore handing the ball to Cole Palmer for the forward to drill low into the far corner past Thomas Kaminski.
Palmer was in the mix again for Chelsea's second as he worked the ball from left to right, feeding to Noni Madueke inside the box who managed to dribble past Amari'i Bell and smash the ball from a tight angle into the top corner.
Nicolas Jackson threaded a pass through the middle to set up Palmer, who stayed calm to roll the ball away from the goalkeeper, then again from sliding defenders before slotting in to bag the Blues' third in the second half.
Luton thought they had pulled a goal back through Elijah Adebayo, but his header was ruled out for offside in the build-up before Ross Barkley then scored a header from Alfie Doughty's corner.
The Hatters threw players forward looking to get back into the game and substitute Carlton Morris' header was pushed on to the crossbar before Adebayo scored a second for Luton, setting up a nervous final few minutes for the visitors, but Chelsea were able to hold on for the win.
The victory means Chelsea have picked up two vital wins in the space of a week as they look to start climbing up the Premier League table after a challenging 2023.
Mauricio Pochettino will be glad of the victory but disappointed with the way his side dealt with what should have been a comfortable end to the match.
Palmer continues to show importance
Palmer has been Chelsea's best player this season and his performance against Luton Town again highlighted the quality he has brought to Pochettino's side since his £42.5m move from Manchester City.
His goal in the first half was a lethal finish after a poor clearance landed the ball at his feet, and his pass to Madueke was perfectly timed as Chelsea attacked.
This was the fourth Premier League game this season in which Palmer has scored and assisted.
He is also only the fifth Chelsea player to reach double figures for goal involvements [eight goals, five assists] in a single Premier League season while aged 21 or under, joining Arjen Robben, Eden Hazard, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount.
His second goal highlighted his composure as he stayed calm to dribble around Kaminski and roll the ball between two Luton defenders on the goal line.
Palmer was well-supported by his former England U21 team-mate Madueke who was dangerous throughout the game, his ability to go either inside or outside his marker causing Luton problems.
Pochettino praised Madueke for the way he responded to being out of the team following his match-winning performance against Crystal Palace in the week, and the winger put in another positive performance this time out.
BBC