Chelsea 5-0 Barrow: Blues Player Ratings as they record comfortable win over League Two opponents | Carabao Cup 2024-25

Christopher Nkunku bagged a hat-trick as Chelsea cruised to a 5-0 win over League Two side Barrow in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, September 24. Stamford Bridge hosted the contest as the hosts barely left second gear throughout the evening.

Blues manager Enzo Maresca opted to heavily rotate his side, making 11 changes to the starting lineup that beat West Ham United 3-0. Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Joao Felix joined Nkunku in attack while Cesare Casadei earned his first start of the season.

It was a great start for Chelsea, who opened the scoring in the eighth minute. A stunning chipped through ball from Felix found Nkunku in the box, who edged it past the keeper to break the deadlock.

The Frenchman doubled his and the side's tally seven minutes later with an audacious flick. Malo Gusto sent a low ball in from the right and Nkunku's brilliant effort nestled in the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Felix then made it 3-0 with a brilliant free-kick from the edge of the box, which was eventually awarded as an own goal by Barrow keeper Paul Farman.

The second half was more of the same as the hosts exerted their dominance over their lower-ranked opposition. Neto got his first goal for the side with a simple tap in after being set up by Mudryk in the 48th minute.

Nkunku then completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute after a mistake at the back by the keeper, robbing him of the ball and turning it home into an empty net.

Chelsea satisfied expectations with a convincing win over the League Two leaders and will now prepare to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League next. Here are the player ratings:

Chelsea Player Ratings

Filip Jorgensen - 6.5/10

Jorgensen was reduced to a mere spectator for the majority of the game as Chelsea completely dominated the affair. He had to make just one save all game and also looked comfortable on the ball.

Malo Gusto - 7/10

Gusto played for just 45 minutes on his comeback from injury, but settled in well and was lively down the right, collecting an assist for Nkunku's second.

Axel Disasi - 6.5/10

The Frenchman was an assured presence at the back while also coming close to getting on the scoresheet himself in the second half.

Benoit Badiashile - 6/10

He had a decent game, doing well to deal with Barrow's threat from set-pieces.

Renato Veiga - 7/10

Veiga displayed his talent and versatility in the fixture. He began the game at left-back and played as a central defender for the second period. The Portuguese youngster looked assured in possession, completing 89% of his passes (85/95) with eight passes into the final third.

Cesare Casadei - 6/10

Casadei earned a rare appearance but had a largely pedestrian outing playing at the base of Chelsea's midfield.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6.5/10

The midfielder combined well with the forwards in the first half and came close to scoring his first Chelsea goal in the second period.

Pedro Neto - 7/10

He was lively down the right flank, a more natural position for him after being used at the opposite wing at times this season. His pace and dribbling caused issues for Barrow and he also opened his tally for the side with a simple tap-in.

Joao Felix - 8.5/10

Felix oozed class and creativity as his movement and passing were a major threat for the visitors. He showed his gifted technical ability with a scooped assist for Nkunku's first and deserved to get on the scoresheet himself with his accurate free-kick.

Mykhailo Mudryk - 6.5/10

He had his moments of quality down the left, including the assist for Neto's goal, but remains inconsistent with his decision-making in the final third.

Christopher Nkunku - 9/10

Nkunku made a statement to become a more regular starter under Enzo Maresca with a brilliant hat-trick, albeit against inferior opposition. His finishing, particularly his second goal, was a joy to watch.

Substitutes

Ben Chilwell - 6/10

After being put on the transfer market during the summer by Chelsea, Chilwell completed his re-integration into the team with his first appearance of the season. He came on for Gusto for the second period and was deployed as an inverted full-back, a role unnatural to him. Still, he looked decent but did not get enough touches.

Tyrique George - 6.5/10

He had a chance to get on the scoresheet but sent his effort wide. Looked good on the right flank.

Josh Acheampong - 6.5/10

The highly touted prospect made his season debut and was comfortable in possession.

Marc Guiu and Carney Chukwuemeka - N/A

The pair came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.