Chelsea 5 Barrow 0: Nkunku Shines with Hat-Trick in Carabao Cup

Nkunku’s Hat-Trick Leads Blues into Carabao Cup Fourth Round, Leaving Maresca with Selection Dilemma

September 24, 2024
9:20 pm

Christopher Nkunku showcased his brilliance as Chelsea brushed aside League Two opposition Barrow with a 5-0 demolition at Stamford Bridge, propelling the Blues into the Carabao Cup fourth round. Nkunku’s clinical hat-trick not only highlighted the Frenchman’s growing influence but also handed manager Enzo Maresca a welcome selection headache ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League campaign.

In a game where Chelsea’s dominance was never in doubt, Nkunku wasted no time making his mark. The £52 million summer signing from RB Leipzig opened the scoring just eight minutes in, timing his run to perfection to meet João Félix’s cheeky flick over Barrow’s defense, volleying home from close range. The early strike set the tone for Chelsea’s evening, with Nkunku adding his second just seven minutes later. This time, a sharp cross from Malo Gusto was met with an inventive flick off Nkunku’s heel, putting the Blues 2-0 up and effectively ending any early resistance from Barrow.

Nkunku’s influence on the game couldn’t be overstated, and his performance prompted Maresca to rest him after completing his hat-trick in the 75th minute. The French forward capitalized on a critical error from Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman, who lost possession dangerously close to his own goal. Nkunku coolly rolled the ball into the net, earning his match ball and a standing ovation as he left the field, with fans hoping his form continues into Chelsea’s weekend Premier League fixture against Brighton.

It’s not just Nkunku’s scoring prowess that has caught the eye. The forward now has six goals to his name this season, and his performance will undoubtedly make it difficult for Maresca to keep him out of the starting XI. The Frenchman has only started two Premier League games so far, but his Carabao Cup heroics are surely pushing him towards a more regular role.

Beyond Nkunku, Chelsea’s display against Barrow was a showcase of squad depth, with Maresca rotating the entire starting lineup from last weekend’s match. Yet one of the more notable absences was Ben Chilwell, who remained on the bench despite Chelsea’s comfortable lead. Chilwell has struggled for game time, having last featured for Chelsea in a competitive match during the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City in April. His omission from the starting lineup in favor of 21-year-old Portuguese left-back Renato Veiga has only raised more questions about the former England international’s future at Stamford Bridge.

Chilwell did eventually come on at halftime, but his situation reflects a wider challenge within Chelsea’s deep squad. The left-back’s return to the pitch did coincide with Chelsea extending their lead further. Just three minutes after the break, Mykhailo Mudryk pounced on a mistake in Barrow’s midfield, surging forward and laying off the ball to Pedro Neto, who slotted home into an open net to make it 4-0.

Barrow, who sit 64 places below Chelsea in the English football pyramid, offered little resistance throughout the match, though they did provide brief moments of danger. Midfielder Kian Spence forced a diving save from Chelsea’s goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in the second half, and he also drew another decent stop from the keeper with a curling free kick from just outside the box. These flashes, however, did little to shift the momentum of the match as Chelsea maintained control.

The Blues’ third goal, though initially claimed by Félix, was eventually credited as an own goal by Barrow’s Paul Farman. A wickedly curling free kick hit the post and ricocheted off the unfortunate goalkeeper into his own net, compounding what was a difficult evening for him. Farman’s night went from bad to worse when he tried to dribble past Nkunku late in the game, only to lose the ball and watch helplessly as Nkunku completed his hat-trick.

One of the more positive takeaways for Chelsea was the return of right-back Malo Gusto, who had missed the previous two matches due to a hamstring injury. Gusto played a key role in providing the assist for Nkunku’s second goal and looked sharp throughout, suggesting he’s ready to resume his responsibilities in the Premier League.

For manager Enzo Maresca, this dominant performance offers much food for thought. Chelsea will turn their attention back to the Premier League with renewed confidence, and Maresca now faces the pleasant dilemma of integrating players like Nkunku into a settled lineup. The French striker’s electric form is hard to ignore, and his ability to unlock defenses could be crucial as Chelsea look to push higher up the table.

Meanwhile, Barrow’s Carabao Cup journey comes to an end, but they can hold their heads high for reaching this stage. The focus for them will now shift back to their League Two campaign, while Chelsea march on, with bigger challenges awaiting them in the next round.