JOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s how the starting XI rated…
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.
Malo Gusto – 7
Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.
Axel Disasi – 6
Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.
Renato Veiga – 6
Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Cesare Casadei – 7
Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.
Pedro Neto – 7
Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.
Joao Felix – 8
Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.
Christopher Nkunku – 9
Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.
Subs
Ben Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6
Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.
Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6
Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.
Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6
Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.
Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6
Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6
Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.
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