Chelsea kicked off their EFL Cup campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over League Two opponents Barrow in a game that saw outcast Ben Chilwell, handed his first minutes of the season, Soccernet.football reports.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca fielded a totally different starting lineup from their 3-0 victory over West Ham United, making a whooping eleven changes to his side as they sought their second win at Stamford Bridge this season.
Despite making so many changes, Maresca’s Blues dominated their League Two counterparts as Christopher Nkunku grabbed himself a hat-trick, netting twice in the first half before claiming the match ball with his 75th-minute effort.
Barrow goalkeeper Paul Farman turned into his own net as the match approached the half-hour mark, while Pedro Neto scored Chelsea’s fourth three minutes into the second half.
At halftime, Maresca made a change that would’ve caught the attention of many, bringing on outcast Ben Chilwell for Malo Gusto, who recently made his comeback from injury.
Chilwell was among the players training separately from the main squad at the beginning of Maresca’s tenure, including Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah but the England international was unable to secure a transfer away from west London.
After reintegrating him into the squad and giving him his first minutes since the FA Cup semi-final in April, Maresca was pleased with the defender’s performance.
“Very good. It was not easy for Chilly. He didn’t get any minutes this season, but he has shown he is there, he is ready and working well,” Maresca said, as per BBC Sports.
“There is not any problem. If we have a chance, we will give him some more minutes.”
The 27-year-old in an appreciation post to Chelsea fans via social media wrote; “Missed nights at the Bridge in front of you guys.”