‘Playing like a 20-year-old!’ - Chelsea veteran Thiago Silva lauded by Mauricio Pochettino after another stellar display in nervy Luton victory

Silva led the Chelsea defence imperiously throughout the 90 minutes against Luton, including a nervy last 10, to see the Blues take all three points from Kenilworth Road. Despite his own impressive showing, the Brazilian stalwart appeared visibly frustrated at the full-time whistle having allowed the Hatters to get two goals back. An 'ice-cold' Cole Palmer brace had put Chelsea into an almost unassailable 3-0 lead before goals from Ross Barkley and Elijah Adebayo put the victory into doubt late on, but the Blues - with Silva's help - held on.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Pochettino said: "It is amazing, 39 years old and still playing like a 20-year-old. He brings his experience to the team and he is doing really well. It has been a big, big week. Next year we start in a positive way and it is a good feeling to finish 2023 in this way."

Chelsea's three points saw them go within a point of ninth-placed Newcastle United and 11 off fourth-placed Aston Villa. With any success in the league this season almost seemingly written off, the Blues will be hoping to add more victories and harmony to their disjointed squad in order to make a real mark the following campaign. Thiago Silva, now aged 39, may well be kept around for another campaign to help gel this young team together - although further incomings always seem likely.

Silva and Chelsea begin their 2024 with a favourable home tie against Preston North End in the FA Cup next weekend. Pochettino may well rest the Brazilian who will be required for tougher challenges later on in the season.