Christopher Nkunku scored a hat trick as Chelsea cruised into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) with a dominant 5-0 win over Barrow AFC. Nkunku opened the scoring with two brilliant early goals.
Joao Felix’s free-kick led to a Paul Farman own goal, making it 3-0 before halftime at Stamford Bridge.
An enjoyable EFL Cup Night at Stamford Bridge for the Blues
Pedro Neto scored a fourth goal soon after the break, punishing Barrow, who is currently at the top of League Two but 63 places below Chelsea.
Nkunku sealed his hat trick in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Farman.
Chelsea took the lead just eight minutes in when Joao Felix chipped a pass over Barrow’s defenders, allowing Nkunku to volley the ball low into the net.
Christopher Nkunku Bags a Hat Trick
Nkunku scored again just seven minutes later, flicking in Malo Gusto’s cross from the right with a clever backheel. Chelsea’s third came before the half-hour mark when Felix’s free-kick hit the post, bounced off Barrow goalkeeper Farman, and went in for an own goal.
Chelsea kept the pressure on, quickly adding a fourth after the break.
A defensive mistake from Barrow led to Mykhailo Mudryk squaring the ball for Neto, who tapped in his first goal for the club.
Nkunku completed his hat trick when a slip from Farman allowed him to easily slide the ball into an open net, sealing Chelsea’s dominant 5-0 win.
Man of the Match – Chelsea vs Barrow
Indeed, your guess was correct! In the Chelsea vs Barrow match, Christopher Nkunku was selected Man of the Match. The Chelsea forward could not have picked a better match to boost his confidence.
He might have easily become misplaced in the front line, though, as he is not an inherent nine. Rather, he demonstrated incredible offensive instincts by grabbing through passes, assisting teammates, and, in the instance of his hat trick goal, taking the field as his team’s first defense.
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Chelsea Manager’s Say About The Player Selection
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca emphasized how important it is for his players to challenge his decisions. He explained that when they do, it shows they’re performing well, which is key.
He noted that changes in the lineup depend on the season’s circumstances, like injuries or other issues. Right now, with the full squad available, he has the luxury of rotating players and sharing minutes.
Maresca expressed his happiness for players like Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Joao Felix, praising their efforts.
He added that even though they aren’t starting in the Premier League at the moment, they’ve made the most of their opportunities when given minutes.
Expensive Chelsea Stars Still Under Criticism
Simeon Gholam, a Senior Journalist at Sky Sports, reporting from Stamford Bridge:
“Chelsea completely changed their starting XI, but you could hardly tell from the way they played. The gap between teams in the football pyramid was clear, especially when Chelsea’s second-string squad was filled with multi-million-pound stars.”
“Nkunku stood out with some impressive goals (hat trick), while Joao Felix controlled the game from behind. Neto and Mudryk brought energy and flair at the wings.”
“Many of these players won’t take part in Chelsea’s Premier League match on Saturday, regardless of their performances. Some won’t even make the matchday squad. Enzo Maresca truly has an abundance of talent at his disposal.”
What Does Barrow AFC Coach Say?
Barrow manager Stephen Clemence said he is proud of his team. He acknowledged how tough it is to face a top-six Premier League team, noting that even in the Premier League, those top teams are in a league of their own with world-class players.
He was especially impressed, saying, “If that’s their second-string team, then wow.” Clemence emphasized that his players are doing well in the league and didn’t let themselves down in this game.
He concluded by saying, “We now concentrate on what really counts. We have a big game coming up on Saturday—first place against second.”
Key Moments of Chelsea vs Barrow
- 8th Minute. GOAL! Chelsea (Nkunku)
1-0 Barrow! Joao Felix scoops a beautiful pass over the top, and Nkunku volleys it under the keeper to put Chelsea ahead.
- 15th Minute. GOAL! Chelsea (Nkunku)
2-0 Barrow! Gusto whips in a low cross from the right, and Nkunku flicks it in to double Chelsea’s lead.
- 28th Minute. GOAL! Chelsea (Farman OG)
3-0 Barrow! Felix curls a free kick around the wall, hits the post, and the ball bounces off the unlucky keeper, Farman, into the net.
- 48th Minute. GOAL! Chelsea (Neto)
4-0 Barrow! Chelsea isn’t slowing down. Nkunku plays a through ball to Mudryk, who squares it for Neto to tap into the open goal.
- 75th Minute. GOAL! Chelsea (Nkunku)
5-0 Barrow! Farman tries to dribble past Nkunku but gets caught, and Nkunku steals the ball to slot it home for his hat trick.
The Next Challenge for Chelsea FC
Chelsea’s Premier League return match against Brighton is set to begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
In the meantime, Barrow AFC travels to Gillingham in League Two in a matchup with the top-of-the-table team.
