Chelsea Thrash Barrow 5-0 as Nkunku Shines with Hat-trick

Christopher Nkunku got his first hat-trick for Chelsea.
Image credit: Premier League

Chelsea breezed into the fourth round of the EFL Cup with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over League Two side Barrow at Stamford Bridge.

A hat-trick from Christopher Nkunku and goals from Pedro Neto and a Paul Farman own goal saw the Premier League side cruise to victory.

Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, made 11 changes from their weekend lineup that beat West Ham United, but the rotation didn’t stop their dominance as Barrow found themselves overwhelmed throughout the match.

First Half

Chelsea wasted no time asserting their authority, and within 8 minutes, they were in front. João Félix provided a delicate chipped pass, which Nkunku calmly slotted home to open the scoring.

Seven minutes later, Nkunku was at it again, flicking in a Malo Gusto cross to double Chelsea’s lead.

Barrow’s defense crumbled further in the 28th minute when a Félix free-kick hit the post and deflected off Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman for an unfortunate own goal, giving Chelsea a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.

Second Half

Chelsea started the second half in the same fashion, with Pedro Neto scoring his first goal for the Blues in the 48th minute after a well-timed pass from Mykhailo Mudryk across the box.

Nkunku completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, showing tenacity by dispossessing goalkeeper Farman and rolling the ball into an empty net, sealing a resounding 5-0 victory for Chelsea.

Key Moments:

  • 8′ – Goal: Nkunku opens the scoring after a chipped pass from João Félix.
  • 15′ – Goal: Nkunku doubles Chelsea’s lead with a flick from Malo Gusto’s cross.
  • 28′ – Own Goal: Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman scores an own goal after a Félix free-kick rebounds off the post.
  • 48′ – Goal: Pedro Neto taps in Mudryk’s low cross for his first Chelsea goal.
  • 75′ – Goal: Nkunku completes his hat-trick after tackling Farman and finishing into an empty net.

Chelsea dominated the match from start to finish, with their superior quality proving too much for Barrow.

Nkunku’s finishing was clinical, and his hat-trick brings his season tally to six goals.

Barrow showed flashes of bravery, with striker Emile Acquah having a half-chance and Kian Spence forcing two saves from Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen.

However, the result was never in doubt, and Chelsea’s second-string squad showcased their depth, which will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.

Standout Player

Christopher Nkunku was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick and causing problems for Barrow’s defense throughout the match. His movement, composure, and pressing were key to Chelsea’s success.

Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca praised Nkunku’s performance and also spoke on Ben Chilwell’s return, stating: “Chilwell has shown he’s ready and working well, and if we have a chance, we will give him more minutes in games.”

Did You Know?

Barrow’s last encounter with Chelsea also ended in a 5-0 loss, during an FA Cup third-round match in 1948.

Conclusion

Chelsea’s 5-0 win sees them advance to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, where they will hope to continue their run in the competition.

With Nkunku in red-hot form, Chelsea looks dangerous, and their depth in the squad will serve them well as they juggle multiple competitions.

Barrow, meanwhile, can be proud of their efforts in reaching this stage, but they were simply outclassed on the night.

Match Statistics:

  • Final Score: Chelsea 5-0 Barrow
  • Goals: Nkunku (8′, 15′, 75′), Farman (OG 28′), Neto (48′)
  • Assists: Félix (8′), Gusto (15′), Mudryk (48′)
  • Attendance: 38,868

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