Christopher Nkunku’s Hat-Trick Against Barrow Powers Chelsea To Carabao Cup Fourth Round.
Christopher Nkunku scored a sensational hat-trick as Chelsea cruised into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over League Two side Barrow at Stamford Bridge.
The French forward opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a composed finish, following a brilliant chipped pass from Joao Felix. Nkunku then doubled Chelsea’s lead shortly after, skilfully flicking Malo Gusto’s low cross into the back of the net. The Blues’ dominance continued as Felix’s free-kick hit the post, only for the ball to deflect off Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman and into the net, giving Chelsea a 3-0 advantage by half-time.
Chelsea extended their lead just two minutes into the second half when Pedro Neto netted his first goal for the club, tapping in after a precise pass across the goal from Mykhailo Mudryk.
Nkunku completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, dispossessing Barrow’s keeper Farman before calmly slotting the ball into an empty net. The 26-year-old forward’s first treble for Chelsea brings his season tally to six goals in eight appearances.
This was Nkunku’s first start for the Blues since their opening-day defeat to Manchester City last month, and he marked his return in emphatic style, helping Chelsea secure their place in the next round of the competition.
Manager Enzo Maresca will be pleased with his team’s dominant display, as Chelsea look to build momentum in both domestic and European competitions this season.