Cole Palmer hails new energy at revamped Chelsea after win over Luton
By Luke Oluoch, August 28, 2026Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has hailed a new spirit across the club following their 2-0 Carabao Cup second-round victory over Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
The Blues sailed through to the Carabao Cup third round thanks to a debut header from Danny Welbeck and an own goal by Hakeem Odoffin, giving new manager Xabi Alonso back-to-back wins to open his tenure.
Welbeck scores on debut
Welbeck opened the scoring early in the second period, heading home from Malo Gusto’s cross before Estevao forced in an own goal to seal a competitive home debut win for Alonso in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
Speaking after the match, the England international highlighted a renewed sense of belief at Stamford Bridge following a difficult campaign last season.
Palmer attributed the squad’s changing fortunes to the arrivals under Alonso during an active transfer window:
“The new lads who have come in, and even the ones who were here, have been superb. Last season wasn’t good enough; it looks like there is a different energy now coming into the new season.”
Trophy ambitions
He also touched on the motivation provided by the new manager, who had previously outlined the club’s trophy ambitions ahead of his debut on English soil as a boss following a distinguished playing career with Liverpool.
“The gaffer has said to us, ‘Every game, every competition, we are there to win it,'” Palmer added, exuding optimism that the team’s fresh belief could end with silverware. “Hopefully, it brings wins and trophies. That is the ultimate aim. I know it is early days, but we keep pushing on.”
Leeds Next in EFL
The win saw the Blues earn their place in the next stage of the cup competition. They will come up against an old foe in Leeds United who also progressed after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Chelsea’s immediate task is, however, back in the Premier League, where they will go in search of their third victory in a week when they welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
The Premier League fixture kicks off at 4:00 pm