Nkunku hat-trick secures Chelsea’s place in EFL Cup 4th Round

Enzo Maresca’s Blues showed consistency in attacking and defensive improvements in Tuesday’s EFL match against Barrow at Stanford Bridge. A comfortable 5-0 against the League 2 side saw the Blues through to the fourth round of the League Cup.

It was only the second meeting between these two teams in history (the first meeting dated back to 1948). Chelsea were obvious favourites to win the game given their solid history at the competition. They are the first and most recent London club to have won the EFL and lost to Liverpool in last season’s final. A game that saw them become runner-ups to the competition for the third time in six seasons.

The Blues had eleven changes to their starting line-up from the EPL game against West Ham in the London Stadium on Saturday. Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Malo Gusto, and Joao Felix found themselves in the starting line-up for the first time in a while, while Cesare Casadei made his first start for the Blues. The visitors posed no threat to Enzo Maresca’s side from the beginning, with the Blues dominating possession in both halves. Barrow managed just two shots on target in the game compared to Chelsea’s eleven. Stephen Clemence’s side struggles could not be hidden as the Blues hit twice in the first 15 minutes, thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s brilliance on the night. The Frenchman’s single-touch finish from Joao Felix’s overhead pass and a beautiful backheel finish from Malo Gusto’s cross put the Blues two goals up before Joao Felix’s impressive free-kick came off the post and gave away opposing goal-keeper – Paul Farman’s own-goal just before the hour-mark.

Mykhailo Mudryk was another standout performer in the game against Barrow. The Ukrainian winger played 90 minutes of football and bossed the left wing for Chelsea. His display is an improvement from what we’ve experienced since his $89m transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea last year. He unselfishly gifted new signing – Pedro Neto his first goal in Chelsea colors three minutes into the second half. Nkunku sealed the game with his first hat trick for Chelsea in the 79th minute. Thanks to Paul Farman’s error at his goal line, the Blues comfortably won 5-0 at the Bridge.

It was an impressive performance for the Blues – Five superb goals and a clean sheet. It shows the required improvements Chelsea fans have yarned for these past few seasons. The first eleven and the young bench are showing promise and potential ahead of more competitive games in the season. Academy players – Tyrique George and Joshua Acheampong were introduced into the game in the second half with the former coming close to finding his first senior goal while still making waves for the U21 team.

Italian boss Enzo Maresca was happy with his team’s overall performance. He was tipped to inspire the young players to send a clear message: “We are young. We are Serious.” Speaking about the improvements he has seen in his team since the long and tedious changes from the transfer window, he said: 

“Very happy with the performance, with the result. We made many changes, but the idea from the team was exactly the same. This has to be one of our targets, no matter how we are going to play, it is important that the identity of the team is always there. This type of game, I’m always worried a lot because they are tricky games. Football is full of these games, where you underestimate the other team; you concede goals and you concede chances but tonight I think the performance was very good and we showed how serious we are.”

“Happy. Happy for Pedro, happy for Christo and for Joao, for all of them. They all deserve to play from the start in the Premier League but they are not playing in this moment. But the way they take the chances when we give them minutes is fantastic. No matter if it’s five minutes, 45 minutes, or 90 minutes, they are all ready and this is the most important thing.”

The Blues still need a main shirt sponsor since the start of the 2024/25 season following the decision by Infinite Athlete to not extend their previous partnership. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that the club is in discussions with three major brands, including Qatar Airways, about a new sponsorship deal. The airline has previously sponsored Barcelona and PSG.

BEN CHILWELL RETURNS FROM EXILE 

Ben Chilwell made his first appearance in over five months on Tuesday night’s game against Barrow. The English left-back came in as a half-time substitute during Chelsea’s 5-0 victory, replacing Malo Gusto who is still recovering from a slight injury. He had been sidelined since April, after suffering a knee injury in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, causing him to miss Chelsea’s final seven games of the 2023/24 season. Chilwell claimed the captainband from Axel Disasi (who captained the Blues in the first half) and ensured the back-line remained solid while making attacking runs and providing vital passes that led to the Blue’s win. His return was met with enthusiastic cheers from the Chelsea fans in the stands, and he received more applause at the end of the match.

Chilwell extended his contract last year to stay at Stamford Bridge until June 2027. In August, he was one of many players to be excluded from Enzo Maresca’s plan. Still, with the club failing to secure a sale, the Englishman returned to the Blues camp and was selected in the line-up for the game against Barrow, making his first appearance this season. Chilwell posted on social media after the game, accompanying two photos, saying: “Missed nights at the Bridge in front of you guys.” with a blue heart emoji.

Speaking on Chilwell’s return after the game, Enzo Maresca hailed the Englishman’s performance but didn’t rule out the issues his players are experiencing with lack of playtime. He promised improvements to given minutes based on the work and each display players make with the little they have.

“Also, very good. It was not easy for Chilly. He didn’t get any minutes this season but he has shown he is there, he is ready and working well. There is not any problem. If we have a chance, we will give him some more minutes in games.”

THE BLUES UPCOMING FIXTURES AND WHERE TO FIND FAST-SELLING TICKETS!

Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea will be kept busy in the next few months, with back-to-back clashes in the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the UEFA Conference League. Chelsea has failed to keep an impressive form under several managers in the past few seasons. The Blue’s resolve will be tested in these games and hopefully, they come out as strong contenders for much-needed silverware this season. Here is a sneak peek at Chelsea’s upcoming games, dates, and kick-off time.

Chelsea vs AA Gent  (UEFA Conference League)

Thursday, 3rd October Kick-off: 20:00

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Sunday, 6th October Kick-off: 14:00

Liverpool vs Chelsea (Premier League)

Sunday, 20th October  Kick-off: 16:30 

Panathinaikos vs Chelsea (UEFA Conference League)

Thursday, 24th October  Kick-off: 17:45

Chelsea vs Newcastle United (Premier League)  

Sunday, 27th October  Kick-off: 14:00

Get available and fast-selling Chelsea Tickets to the games before they are all gone. Check seat maps and compare prices for an unforgettable experience for yourself and your loved ones.