Chelsea’s France star, Christopher Nkunku, delivered a stunning performance during the Blues’ commanding 5-0 victory over Barrow in the EFL Cup third round at Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku’s remarkable hat-trick not only showcased his talents but also highlighted Chelsea’s depth as they fielded a predominantly second-string squad.
The match kicked off with Chelsea immediately asserting their dominance. Nkunku wasted no time in making an impact, scoring the opener in just the eighth minute, thanks to a delightful flick from Joao Felix that set him up perfectly.
The Frenchman then showcased his skill with a stylish backheel finish, doubling the lead shortly after.
As the first half progressed, Chelsea maintained their relentless pressure, with Nkunku’s efforts complemented by a fortuitous own goal from Barrow’s goalkeeper, Paul Farman.
The scoreline swelled to 3-0 just before halftime when a free-kick from Joao Felix took a deflection off the post and the keeper, leaving Barrow reeling.
In the second half, Chelsea made their presence felt even more, with Ben Chilwell making his season debut, injecting further energy into the team’s attack.
Mykhailo Mudryk played a key role in the fourth goal, setting up new signing Pedro Neto for a simple finish that extended Chelsea’s lead.
Nkunku capped off his spectacular evening in the 75th minute by capitalizing on a mistake from Barrow’s goalkeeper, sealing his hat-trick and the comprehensive victory.
This emphatic win propels Chelsea into the fourth round of the League Cup, where they aim to extend their winning streak to four matches.
They are now gearing up for a challenging encounter against Brighton in the Premier League. The draw for the next round will take place following Liverpool’s match against West Ham, adding to the anticipation surrounding Chelsea’s next steps in the competition.
