THE NOTEBOOK: Raheem Sterling continues his scoring streak against newly-promoted sides, Chelsea could change tactics with Romeo Lavia and Kerry Dixon fails to toe party line

THE NOTEBOOK: Raheem Sterling continues his scoring run against newly promoted sides, Chelsea could change tactics with Romeo Lavia and Kerry Dixon fails to follow the party line

Chelsea won their first competitive game under coach Mauricio Pochettino on Friday night with a 3-0 home win over Premier League new boys Luton Town thanks to two goals from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson’s first goal for the Londoners.

Sterling received the ball from fullback Malo Gusto, came in from the right and worked his way through the Luton defense before firing low into the far corner in the 17th minute for one of his best goals in a Chelsea shirt.

The duo came together again in the 68th when Gusto encountered a pass from British record transfer Moises Caicedo, who looked calm on his first start for the Blues, and crossed the Frenchman for an easy finish by Sterling.

Seven minutes later, Sterling came on as a supplier when he provided a cross for Jackson and the Senegal striker stretched out a boot to score his first Chelsea goal since joining from Villarreal in June.

Below, Mail Sport’s ADRIAN KAJUMBA outlines some of the things you may have missed during the game.

New signing Romeo Lavia sat in the stands behind Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly

Chelsea could change tactics with Lavia

Chelsea fans got their first glimpse of Moises Caicedo right from the start, netting them a £222 million midfield deal with Enzo Fernandez.

It could soon be a £280 million trio once Romeo Lavia gets up to speed.

It is being considered to use all three in a different tactical line-up to get around the injuries of attacking midfielders.

Lavia was in the stands behind co-owner Todd Boehly. He has built up his fitness and is impressed with his level as he hasn’t had much of the season so far. Chelsea hopes he can make his first Premier League minutes against Nottingham Forest next week.

Sterling continues his scoring streak

Since the start of the 2020/21 season, Raheem Sterling has been involved in 18 goals in 16 Premier League games against promoted sides (13 goals, five assists)

Raheem Sterling scored twice as Chelsea beat promoted Luton on Friday night

Raheem Sterling scored twice as Chelsea beat promoted Luton on Friday night

Dixon fails to stick to the party line

Kerry Dixon, the former Chelsea and Luton striker, did not stick to the party line during his half-time break.

Given what seemed like an opportunity to talk about how excited he was about the Blues, he replied sarcastically, “Did you say excited?” I think we are a work in progress.’

Barkley back at the bridge

Ross Barkley made his Luton debut, having played for Chelsea the last time these clubs met in March 2022.

No other Chelsea player then playing was involved on Friday night.

Sky attacks Neville and Co

Sky Friday Night Football’s lineup is all good due to its excellent pitchside location.

But it’s not so good when the heavens open, like an hour before kick-off.

Kelly Cates, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink climbed into the stands to escape the sudden downpour.

That the stars of Sky had to hide from the rain was good news for the selfie hunters, who then got an impromptu chance to add to their photo albums while everyone waited for the downpour to pass.

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