A decent Tuesday night training. That’s what EFL Cup third-round games were for Chelsea and Manchester City as the Premier League duo rushed to home victories against Barrow and Watford.The Blues, led by inspired Christopher Nkunku, who scored a hat-trick, brushed aside the EFL League Two side 5-0 at Stamford Bridge, while the Cityzens celebrated a 2-1 win at Etihad against EFL Championship slot Watford.Enzo Maresca’s team seemed eager to get things done as soon as possible, with Nkunku opening the scoring after just eight minutes.Joao Felix’s lovely assist over two Barrow defenders found Nkunku, who managed to control the volley past the visitors’ keeper.Christopher Nkunku scores his first Chelsea hat trick ⚽⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/IQpGlY504r— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 24, 2024 By the 15th minute, it was already 2-0 and the same player’s name was on the scoreboard. Joao Felix provided a backheel to release Malo Gusto down the Chelsea right and Nkunku slotted his low cross at the near post.We all knew it was over then, but there was still a lot of time left on the clock, and the hosts made sure to make the most of this ‘training’.Who else than Joao Felix was again involved in the action, as his free-kick went over the wall, hit the bar and deflected off the Barrow’s custodian (3-0).After the break, Pedro Neto added his side’s fourth before Nkunku sealed a hat-trick 15 minutes from time (5-0).##EDITORS_CHOICE##Unlike Chelsea, Pep’s boys were not that dominant against the second-tier lot, although the Spanish boss opted for a relatively mixed squad without Haaland, Gundogan, Kovacic and some other regulars.Watford got caught out trying to play like their rival – out from the back – in the fifth minute, as Jack Grealish picked up the ball, drove into the area and found Jeremy Doku to break the deadlock.What a goal Doku. Filthy pic.twitter.com/9BL5TvbAlP— 𝐄𝐑 (@ErlingRoIe) September 24, 2024 The tie was wrapped up near the half-time interval after Rico Lewis assisted Matheus Nunes. It looked like Watford had done enough to put him under pressure, but it was a lovely finish from the Portuguese midfielder and his first goal for the club.The visitors managed to peg one back too late, as Ince netted four minutes before the end.ELF CUP ROUND 3TuesdayChelsea – Barrow 5-0 (3-0)/Nkunku 8, 15, Farman 28 og, Neto 48/Man City – Watford 2-1 (2-0)/Doku 5, Nunes 38 – Ince 86/Walsall – Leicester 0-0Wycombe – Aston Villa 0-1 (0-0)/Buendia 55/Wednesday21:45: (1.12) Arsenal (8.00) Bolton (16.0)22:00: (1.35) Liverpool (4.80) West Ham (7.50)***odds are subject to change***
