Chelsea and Fulham reach League Cup third round

Chelsea and Fulham have moved into the third round of the English League Cup, with Chelsea drawn against Leeds United and Fulham set to meet West Ham United. The victories also gave both clubs progress in the competition after contrasting domestic developments.

Chelsea defeated third-tier Luton Town 2-0 in Xabi Alonso’s first official home match as head coach. Danny Welbeck opened his Chelsea account shortly after half-time with a header from Malo Gusto’s cross. The London side had started with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and captain Reece James, while controlling possession from the opening stages.

Fulham beat Wimbledon 3-0 for Álvaro Arbeloa’s first victory in charge. Emile Smith Rowe headed in from Kenny Tete’s delivery before Rodrigo Muniz added a second header, also supplied by Tete, to score for the first time in more than a year. Gonzalo García completed the scoring in stoppage time after joining Fulham during the summer transfer window.

Arbeloa made 10 changes to Fulham’s starting team following Monday’s Premier League defeat by Chelsea. Alonso said afterward that he was encouraged by the squad’s energy, mentality and mix of younger and more experienced players, while also praising the support from the home crowd.