Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick, leading Chelsea to a 5-0 victory over fourth-tier Barrow, securing their place in the last 16 of the League Cup. On the same night, a heavily rotated Manchester City lineup edged out Watford 2-1.
Nkunku’s three goals brought his season tally to six in seven appearances, though he has yet to secure a regular starting spot under manager Enzo Maresca. Chelsea made 11 changes from the side that defeated West Ham 3-0 in the Premier League, fielding a lineup worth around £400 million.
Joao Felix played a key role in Chelsea’s win, assisting Nkunku’s first goal with a scooped pass. Nkunku added a second goal, and Felix’s free-kick led to a third when it bounced off the post and Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman. Pedro Neto scored Chelsea’s fourth, finishing a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk. Nkunku completed his hat-trick by capitalizing on a mistake from Farman, who lost possession, leaving the French forward to tap into an open net.
Meanwhile, Manchester City managed without key midfielder Rodri, who is suspected of suffering knee ligament damage in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, made nine changes, giving 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite his debut. Jeremy Doku opened the scoring after just five minutes with a goal from Jack Grealish’s pass. Matheus Nunes, filling in for Rodri, scored his first goal for City since his £53 million transfer last year. Watford’s Tom Ince scored a late consolation goal, but City held on for a 2-1 win.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa advanced with a 2-1 win over Wycombe, thanks to goals from Emi Buendía and Jhon Durán. Leicester City survived a penalty shootout to overcome fourth-tier Walsall after a 0-0 draw, winning 3-0 on penalties.
Newcastle United’s match against AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to a sinkhole at Wimbledon’s home ground following heavy flooding in London. The game will now be played at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park on October 1, with Newcastle donating £15,000 towards the repair of Wimbledon’s pitch.
Other clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham, had already progressed to the fourth round. The remaining ties will see Liverpool face West Ham, and Arsenal host Bolton.
