MANCHESTER, Sept 25 — Christopher Nkunku netted a hat-trick as Chelsea cruised to a 5-0 victory over fourth-tier Barrow, advancing to the League Cup last 16. Nkunku now has six goals in seven appearances this season, although he struggles to secure a regular spot in Enzo Maresca’s lineup.

In a much-changed squad, Maresca made 11 alterations from the team that beat West Ham 3-0. Joao Felix, another high-profile signing, assisted Nkunku’s opener, while the Frenchman added a second before Felix’s free-kick deflected off Barrow’s goalkeeper, Paul Farman. Pedro Neto scored his first Chelsea goal, tapping in a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nkunku completed his hat-trick by dispossessing Farman for an easy finish.

Meanwhile, Manchester City edged past Watford 2-1, missing key midfielder Rodri due to suspected knee ligament damage. Pep Guardiola made nine changes from the squad that faced Arsenal, with 16-year-old Kaden Braithwaite making his debut. Jeremy Doku opened the scoring early, followed by Matheus Nunes, who scored his first goal since joining City. Tom Ince pulled one back for Watford, but it wasn't enough.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa won 2-1 against Wycombe, and Walsall pushed Leicester to penalties after a 0-0 draw, with Leicester winning the shoot-out 3-0. Newcastle's match against AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to a sinkhole at Wimbledon’s ground, with the game now set for October 1 at St. James Park. Manchester United and Tottenham also advanced last week, while Liverpool faces West Ham and Arsenal hosts Bolton in the remaining fixtures on Wednesday.