Chelsea's task was straightforward: secure a win against fourth-tier Barrow, boost the confidence of the reserves, and maintain the current sense of contentment at Stamford Bridge. The mission was accomplished swiftly, with Christopher Nkunku scoring twice within the first 15 minutes, setting the stage for an easy evening. Nkunku was the star of the show, completing his hat-trick—and Chelsea's fifth goal—an hour later. However, the entire forward line contributed, with João Félix displaying creativity, Mykhailo Mudryk electrifying on the left, and Pedro Neto scoring his maiden goal for the club.
Barrow, despite their valiant efforts, were overwhelmed, though their supporters remained vocal throughout, appreciating the journey if not the outcome. Chelsea entered this match enjoying a rare period of tranquility, looking more focused under Enzo Maresca, who has kept the team unbeaten in the league since their opening-weekend loss to Manchester City. As anticipated, they showcased their youthful talent, fielding an entirely new lineup against the League Two leaders. Ben Chilwell, a Champions League winner in 2021, was relegated to the bench.
Barrow, making their first appearance in the third round of this competition since the 1960s, had to decide whether to push forward or adopt a defensive stance. Their traveling fans made their presence known during warm-ups, emphasizing the significance of the occasion for a club that returned to the Football League in 2020 after a 48-year absence. Reality struck quickly, however, as Félix found space in midfield and delivered a through ball for Nkunku, who finished with a first-time shot past Paul Farman in just eight minutes.
Nkunku's performances in cup competitions are crucial for his case to Maresca, who currently views him as a bench player in the league. Here, Nkunku was dynamic, combining fancy one-touch play with his goals. His second goal came from a well-executed move down the right, with Neto creating space for Malo Gusto to overlap and deliver a cross. Nkunku's backflick set up his pursuit of a hat-trick.
Farman, Barrow's captain, faced a daunting challenge but likely didn't foresee the misfortune that struck just before halftime. Félix's free-kick hit the post and deflected off Farman into the net for an own goal. Despite this, Barrow managed to limit the damage for the rest of the half. However, the onslaught resumed quickly after the break, with Nkunku once again pivotal. He played a key role in setting up Mudryk, who squared the ball for Neto to score.
Barrow had fleeting moments of hope, with Farman making some fine saves and Kian Spence testing Filip Jörgensen with a free-kick. However, a moment of chaos in the 69th minute failed to yield a consolation goal. Chelsea showed no signs of letting up, with Maresca rotating his substitutes to give them valuable playing time. Chilwell, introduced at halftime, received a warm reception from the home crowd.
Nkunku's third goal was a testament to his persistence, as he hassled Farman into a mistake, dispossessing the goalkeeper to slot into an empty net. Maresca, acknowledging the moment, promptly substituted Nkunku, who received a thunderous ovation, his first hat-trick for the club a clinical display. Nkunku left the field, his night firmly his own.
