Chelsea ratings: Malo Gusto stakes his claim for starting spot as Barco booed with every touch on solid Blues debut

CHELSEA are into the third round of the Carabao Cup with minimal fuss as Danny Welbeck got off the mark in a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. A goalless first half saw Chelsea test Luton‘s resolve with their very exciting trio of Estevao, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers playing behind Danny Welbeck. Danny Welbeck headed home a Malo Gusto cross to open the scoring Credit: Alamy Palmer was a thrilling watch once again Credit: Getty All of them had chances, but none could find the back of the net, with Rogers coming closest via a volley onto the crossbar. And with young, tricky superstars stealing the show, it was only right that veteran goalscorer Welbeck stood up and was counted when the Blues needed a goal. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! He headed home a Malo Gusto cross to give the Blues the lead just five minutes into the second half. Chelsea were in the driving seat from then on, with Palmer almost scoring a wondergoal and getting minutes in the tank alongside Pedro Neto, Romeo Lavia and Joao Pedro from the bench. Estevao capitalised on the Blues’ dominance with a late finish to make it 2-0 and see Xabi Alonso‘s side sail into the next round, where they will face Leeds at home. Here is how SunSport Chelsea reporter Lloyd Canfield rated the players… MIKE PENDERS – 7 There was a fair bit of pressure on young Mike Penders today, given the fact that Emiliano Martinez is about to join Chelsea to replace the man already in front of him, Robert Sanchez. Nonetheless, he was great. Most read in Sport He looked commanding and particularly good with his feet, communicating well with those in front of him to deliver a performance more than good enough BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Mike Penders was commanding in goal for the Blues Credit: Getty MALO GUSTO – 8 He tried and tried to get down the right side and deliver the ball into the box in the first half, without much luck. In the second half, he got his golden touch, delivering a perfect cross onto the forehead of Welbeck to find the back of the net. He defended well throughout with some great tackles and several other good crosses that unfortunately came to nothing. The right-wing-back spot in Alonso’s side is far from locked down, and Gusto might still be in with a chance of nailing it with more performances like today. Malo Gusto set up Danny Welbeck for the opener Credit: Getty JOSH ACHEAMPONG – 8 Was really impressive against Fulham, and was just as good again today, particularly with a crucial sliding tackle in the first half. He sweeps things up brilliantly, steps into challenges well when required, and is good from passing out of the back too. MAXENCE LACROIX – 7 Made more defensive contributions than any other Chelsea player, with several clearances, blocks, and interceptions. Looks like a really strong signing already. PEP CHAVARRIA – 6 Was noticeably good on the recovery and really solid at left-back for Chelsea. It is hard not to see him as a great, understated signing so far — similar in many ways to when the Blues signed the legendary Cesar Azpilicueta. VALENTIN BARCO – 6 Was booed every time he touched the ball by Luton fans for his World Cup wind-up antics with Argentina. Nonetheless, he put in a solid midfield performance drifting out to the left side, creating some decent chances while remaining solid defensively. Chavarria has been solid early on in his Chelsea career Credit: Getty Estevao was tricky as ever at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty REECE JAMES – 6 Came close after 19 minutes with a beautifully executed free-kick routine, but for a great save by Josh Keeley in the Luton net. Was otherwise solid, keeping things ticking in midfield for the Blues with some good passing and defensive moments. ESTEVAO – 8 Combined nicely with his team-mates, and if you thought the front three against Fulham was good, it could be even more frightening with this kid added to it. He was a little hasty at times in the box and perhaps should have lifted his head up a bit more, but his persistence paid off when a low shot was deflected home to give the Blues a 2-0 lead. A great showing from one of the most exciting young players on the planet, who will be looking for more minutes off the Blues’ ‘CPR’ front three. COLE PALMER – 8 After his electric start in the Premier League against Fulham, Palmer really does look like the Palmer of old again – he looks so sharp and was at the heart of almost everything good Chelsea did going forward. Almost scored a sensational effort from range with half an hour to go, but his curling effort licked the paint off the top of the crossbar. MORGAN ROGERS – 7 Rattled the crossbar with a volley just before half-time having caused several problems for Luton throughout the first half. Morgan Rogers was impressive again after scoring vs Fulham last time out Credit: Getty Welbeck grabbed his first Chelsea goal against Luton Credit: Getty DANNY WELBECK – 7 Linked up really nicely at times with Rogers and Palmer, but struggled to get into the game up top in the same ways that Joao Pedro often does in the first half. In the second half though, he showed exactly why Chelsea signed him, he knows where the back of the net is. Rose like a salmon to head home Malo Gusto’s perfect cross and give Chelsea the goal they needed. SUBS: JORREL HATO (MALO GUSTO, 67) – 6 Solid at the back, in Alonso’s back three system which probably suits him nicely, but didn’t have much to do. PEDRO NETO (MORGAN ROGERS, 67) – 6 Settled nicely into the right wing back role once more and looked comfortable going in both directions. ROMEO LAVIA (REECE JAMES, 67) – 6 Put in a heavy mistimed tackle, but was good overall at keeping things ticking, very similar to James before him. JOAO PEDRO (DANNY WELBECK, 75) – 6 Came close with a half chance late on, but it was saved by Keeley in the Luton goal. JAMIE GITTENS (ESTEVAO, 80) – 7 Didn’t have much time to make an impact, but came close to scoring a beautiful goal from the left side with a left-footed effort coming off of the right post. Comment now