Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he’s pleased with the individual performances of his players during Chelsea’s 3-2 away win at Luton Town.

Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, both returning to the starting XI at Kenilworth road, provided the goals that ensured Chelsea finished 2023 strongly.

It wasn’t a routine win for the Blues by any stretch, especially in the second half when they conceded two late goals to a barrage of attack from Luton, but they held on to see out the victory.

Pochettino now believes his side are beginning to step up to the challenge.

The Argentine said: “There were many good performances. Players are stepping up. We are happy. It’s only a matter of time, it’s not a piece of magic where you can touch it and start to build a team.

“We have a group of players who all need to feel confident and feel they can fight for their place in the starting XI.

“When you have a big squad, if we are all fit we have players who can perform and play. It’s very positive to increase this level in every position.”

He added: “It is really important to finish 2023 well and look forward to 2024. It was good to finish with good feelings and going into the new year keeping the momentum.”