Xabi Alonso, overseeing a competitive game in the Stamford Bridge dugout for the first time, named a strong side and the Blues controlled the contest from start to finish. However, the game was goalless at the interval despite several chances being fashioned.

The deadlock was broken early into the second period – and it was a well-constructed goal. Estevao Willian linked up with Malo Gusto down the right flank, before the France international produced an inch-perfect cross for Welbeck to head home.

Estevao was a constant threat and, with 11 minutes remaining, the Brazilian forced our second as his low drive struck the unfortunate Odoffin on its route to goal.

We could have had more goals – Cole Palmer was denied on several occasions and both Morgan Rogers and Jamie Gittens hit the woodwork – but importantly the Blues have advanced to set up a third-round tie with Leeds United.

New faces

Alonso included three debutants in his starting XI: Mike Penders, Valentin Barco and Danny Welbeck. They came into a strong side that also included Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Pep Chavarria, Reece James, Estevao, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.

The game quickly settled into a pattern, with the Blues probing a resolute and deep Luton backline. Space was tight, but we carved our way through on multiple occasions.

Palmer was first to threaten. The England international deftly exchanged passes with Estevao on the edge of the Luton area and whipped a shot toward goal. Josh Keeley saved and quickly reacted to deny Palmer on the rebound.

From the resultant corner, Palmer dragged a shot wide. Gusto then fired a shot comfortably over the crossbar as we searched for the opener.

Keeley was worked again midway through the half as, after Estevao had been fouled, James forced the Luton goalkeeper into a full-length save to keep out a free-kick. Our Brazilian winger then went close himself, driving a shot wide after a neat through pass from Barco.

The visitors' threat was minimal during the opening 45 minutes; a header from Hakeem Odoffin that Penders easily saved was their best effort on goal.

Going close

As the half moved toward its conclusion, we came inches away from breaking the deadlock. Estevao was once again involved as he broke beyond the Luton backline and cut a pass back to Rogers, who steered a volley against the crossbar.

Rogers was involved in the construction of our next chance, showcasing neat footwork to evade two challenges and open up the pitch for Chavarria. The Spaniard played a pass to Palmer, but the striker's shot was blocked en route to goal. Come the half-time whistle, the Blues still had work to do.

Breakthrough arrives

Alonso opted against any alterations at the interval – and the Blues boss was rewarded as his side opened the scoring five minutes into the second period.

It was a well-crafted goal. The ball was worked to Estevao down the right flank, and the Brazil international stayed patient until the opportunity arrived to slip a pass through to the overlapping Gusto. He produced an excellent cross and Welbeck was perfectly positioned to head home.

In control

Luton attempted to rally, but they were largely kept at bay. The closest the visitors came to breaching Penders' goal were shots from distance from substitute Isaish Jones and Chelsea Academy graduate Kasey Palmer. Neither were on target, though.

At the opposite end, Palmer's quest for a goal continued and our No.10 came inches away from finding the top corner with a powerful, curled attempt that flew just wide.

Alonso turned to his bench with 23 minutes remaining; Jorrel Hato, Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto were introduced for Gusto, James and Rogers. Joao Pedro replaced Joao Pedro soon after.

The changes gave the Blues fresh impetus – and a second goal soon arrived to ensure our passage into the third round. Barco was instrumental, reclaiming possession in midfield and moving the ball to Palmer.

He fed Estevao, who produced a quick stepover to shift the ball onto his right foot and drill a shot toward the far corner. His attempt struck Odoffin on its way to goal and ended the net.

It proved Estevao's last involvement; he was replaced by Jamie Gittens before play restarted. The game was won, but there was time to add to the scoreline.

Palmer continued to push for a goal and, as the game entered stoppage time, Keeley denied him once more and then stopped Joao Pedro's rebound. Gittens then went even closer, beating the Luton stopper but seeing his low drive strike the post.

The third goal didn't arrive, but it didn't change the outcome. The Blues were through and, up next in the competition, come an old foe in Leeds United.

What comes next

The Blues go in search of our third victory in a week as we welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Premier League fixture kicks off at 2pm (UK time).

The teams

Chelsea: Penders: Gusto (Hato 67), Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James (c) (Lavia 67), Barco; Estevao (Gittens 80), Palmer, Rogers (Neto 67); Welbeck (Joao Pedro 73)
Chelsea substitutes: Sanchez, Anselmino, Watson, Emegha
Goalscorers: Welbeck 50, Odoffin og 79

Luton Town: Keeley, Ashby, Odoffin, Johnston, Johnson, Benagr, Walsh, Palmer, Lawrence (Fox 61), Kodua (Richards 46), Marshall
Luton Town substitutes: Shea, Naismith, Andersen, Wells, Jones, Chigozle, Cole
Booked: Johnson 56

Attendance: 32,210