Sterling’s double against Luton Town earns Chelsea first EPL win

Raheem Sterling ignited Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea reign as Luton Town were beaten 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.

After failing to win his opening two Premier League games as Blues manager, Pochettino secured his first competitive victory since his summer appointment as Sterling sparkled to continue his fine form at the start of the new season.

Chelsea opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Sterling as the winger picked up the ball from the right-hand side before driving at the Luton defence and finishing superbly.

The hosts extended their lead through Sterling in the 68th minute as he got on the end of an inch-perfect cross from Malo Gusto before stroking his effort home.

There was further misery for Luton in the 75th minute through Nicolas Jackson as the Senegal striker lurked at the back post and got on the end of Sterling’s driven cross to tap in his first goal for the club.

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Speaking after the game, Pochettino said: “I’m really pleased. It was a solid performance. I am happy because the first victory is always very important, to provide the team with the confidence and trust in the way we are doing things.”

On Sterling’s performance, the club manager said: “He played with freedom on the pitch, we know what he is capable of.

“On the wing, inside, between the lines, in the pocket, he has the quality to play many places and he had quality to run and finish.

“We are pleased for him, he needs to keep going and contribute more goals and assists to help the team win.”

Chelsea have two home games next week, hosting League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night before welcoming Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge for their next Premier League game on September 2.

Luton Town are also involved in Carabao Cup action in midweek, hosting Gillingham on Tuesday night.

Attention will then turn to their first Premier League game at Kenilworth Road when the Hatters welcome West Ham on Friday, on September 1.

The Star