By Nurudeen Obalola
Christopher Nkunku was the star of the night on Tuesday as he bagged a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 5-0 win over lower league Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round.
Manchester City, Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City and Aston Villa also defeated lower league clubs to complete a winning night for Premier League sides in the third round of the competition.
Frenchman Nkunku spearheaded the attack for a much-changed Chelsea side and made his case for regular playing time with his first treble for the club in the rout of the fourth-tier Barrow at Stamford Bridge.
He struck in the eighth, 15th and 75th minutes, with Petro Neto also netting for the Blues, along with an own goal.
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City endured a nervy ending to edge past second-tier Watford 2-1.
Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes gave the hosts a 2-0 lead into half-time and they looked to be cruising.
But Watford, coached by former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, pulled one back through Tom Ince with four minutes left on the clock.
Super Eagles midfielder Ndidi and some other key players were rested by Leicester City boss Steve Cooper for the clash at fourth-tier Walsall, and they nearly paid for it.
The match ended 0-0 and went into penalties, with Leicester City winning 3-0 after they scored their first three kicks and Walsall missed all three.
In the other third round tie of the night, Aston Villa won 2-1 at third-tier Wycombe Wanderers, with Emiliano Buendia and Jhon Duran netting for the top flight side.
RESULTS
Chelsea 5-0 Barrow
Manchester City 2-1 Watford
Walsall 0-0 (0-3 penalties) Leicester City
Wycombe 1-2 Aston Villa
