Nkunku's hat-trick sends Chelsea on Carabao Cup cruise against Barrow

Yesterday at 04:50 PM

The mission was simple for Chelsea: secure victory against fourth-tier opposition, pump up the ­confidence of the reserves and maintain this period of relative happiness at Stamford Bridge. The job was done quickly, with Christopher Nkunku scoring twice inside 15 minutes to set up an easy evening against Barrow.

Nkunku was the central actor, his hat-trick – and Chelsea's fifth goal – ­delivered an hour later. But the host forward line all had moments of ­sparkle. João Félix showed imagination behind Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk had moments of electricity on the left and Pedro Neto, on the right, scored his first for the club. It was all too much for Barrow, though their supporters remained in good voice till the close, savouring the journey if not all that enamoured by what the destination had to offer.