The best midfielder on the pitch” today in Chelsea game

Owen Hargreaves believes Ross Barkley was “the best midfielder on the pitch” as Chelsea beat Luton Town 3-2 on Saturday.

Two goals from Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke gave Chelsea a 3-0 lead at Kenilworth Road, but Luton held their nerve as Barkley and Elijah Adebayo scored in the last 10 minutes. Barkley, who joined Luton as a free agent in the summer transfer window, once again produced an impressive performance in central midfield.

And Hargreaves believes the former Chelsea midfielder has surpassed Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo and Palmer. “Ross was the best midfielder on the pitch,” Hargreaves told Premier League Productions after Chelsea’s win against Luton.

“They have a £100m player and the lad they (Luton) got for free was special today. Cole Palmer scores twice in Chelsea’s win against Luton (PA).

“I thought they (Chelsea) were good defensively in the first half, but the goalkeeper was also good.

“I’m not sure there was that much pressure on the ball, the forwards were just passing the ball easily into wide areas. “I thought Diassi and Silva defended very well in the first half. In the second half, the leaders didn’t help much. “I’m sure Pozzi will be happy with the first half and not so much with the second half.”

Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips added: “They fought at the end but got over the line.

“If you play defensively like that, there are problems, so there are still some areas that need to be improved, but there are also many positive aspects. “It has to be as cold as it was in the first half. Take your chance and the other team will take care of the rest.