Chelsea and Fulham reach League Cup third round as Welbeck scores on debut

Alonso ​fielded a strong side with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and captain Reece James all in ​the starting line-up, and Chelsea dominated possession from the outset. "We want to have ⁠a complete squad in all aspects, in quality, maturity, personality, young players with experienced players," Alonso ​said.

"It's important that young players get help to develop and in those cases the experienced players help ​a lot. "Happy with the energy and the attitude of the players. The crowd, as well, has been great, we need them for the whole season.

Now rest and we'll come back here (Stamford Bridge) on Sunday. "Alonso remained tight-lipped about ​both Fernandez, who is reportedly heading to Manchester City and was not in the squad on ​Thursday, and Martinez, who is said to be moving from Aston Villa to Chelsea.

Palmer and Estevao were denied good ‌opportunities ⁠before Rogers rattled the crossbar on the stroke of halftime. Luton frustrated the hosts for much of the evening but could not withstand the pressure after the interval.

Welbeck's emphatic finish finally broke the deadlock and shifted the momentum firmly in Chelsea's favour. The result was sealed 10 minutes from time when ​Estevao surged into the penalty ​area and struck after ⁠a weaving run, although the goal was ultimately recorded as an own goal by defender Hakeem Odoffin.

Chelsea will play Leeds United in the next ​round. Rodrigo Muniz scored his first goal in more than a year as Fulham ​beat AFC ⁠Wimbledon 3-0 to reach the third round, where they will face West Ham.

Emile Smith Rowe put Fulham ahead with a first-half header from a Kenny Tete cross before Muniz made it 2-0 before the break, ⁠also ​heading in from a Tete delivery. The win was Fulham's first ​under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, and the Spaniard made 10 changes after Monday's Premier League defeat by Chelsea.

Summer signing Gonzalo Garcia ​wrapped up the victory with a goal in stoppage time.