Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed fourth tier Barrow 5-0 to reach the last 16 of the League Cup (Carabao Cup) on Tuesday (Sep 24) as a much-changed Manchester City edged out Watford 2-1. Nkunku now has six goals in seven appearances this season, but the Frenchman has still been unable to nail down a regular place in Enzo Maresca's side. Nkunku was making his first start for the hosts since their opening-day defeat by Manchester City last month.
Christopher Nkunku scored his first hat trick for Chelsea to help his side ease into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of League Two's Barrow at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday (Sep 24). Nkunku scored the opening two goals by the 15th minute and rounded off the scoring in the 75th. In between was an own-goal by Barrow's Paul Farman and a tap-in by Pedro Neto for his first Chelsea goal.
Chelsea also rotated their lineup, with manager Enzo Maresca making 11 changes from the team that started the 3-0 win at West Ham on Saturday.
Man City began what is likely to be many months without key midfielder Rodri after he suffered suspected knee ligament damage in a fiery 2-2 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. Little over 48 hours on from that top-of-the-table clash, City were in action again and Pep Guardiola made nine changes, including a debut for 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite. Jeremy Doku, one of the two to retain his place, fired in the opening goal from Jack Grealish's pass after five minutes.
Rodri's absence could mean a more prominent role for Matheus Nunes and the Portugal international blasted in his first goal since joining City a year ago.
Tom Ince, son of former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince, pulled a late goal back for Watford, but it was too little, too late for the Championship side.
Aston Villa's second string were also pushed by lower-league opposition but Emi Buendia's header and Jhon Duran's penalty were enough to win 2-1 at Wycombe.
Fourth-tier Walsall came closest to an upset as they forced Leicester to penalties after a 0-0 draw. However, the Premier League side won the shoot-out 3-0.
Newcastle's trip to AFC Wimbledon was postponed after a sinkhole appeared on the League Two side's pitch following heavy flooding in London this week. The match has been switched to Newcastle's St. James Park on Oct 1.
Newcastle have contributed to a fund to help repair the pitch at Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were among the sides to progress to round four last week.
Liverpool take on West Ham United and Arsenal host Bolton in the remaining two ties on Wednesday.
The last 32 of the competition is being spread over two midweeks to accommodate the expanded UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Manchester United and Tottenham were among those to advance last week, while Liverpool and Arsenal play their games on Wednesday. The fourth round draw will follow Wednesday's matchups.
