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      Shocking moment idiot pitch invader stopped from confronting Leicester boss Cooper by being tackled to ground by player

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      LEICESTER boss Steve Cooper escaped a confrontation with a pitch-invader thanks to a player stepping in to floor the intruder.A seething fan emerged from the away end, ran across the pitch and appeared to be heading for Cooper when he was knocked to the deck.A fan ran onto the pitch and made a gestureCredit: ReutersHe was then tackled by Walsall’s Dave OkagbueCredit: PAHe was then taken away by securityCredit: RexSteve Cooper is under pressure at Leicester after just seven gamesCredit: GettyWalsall star David Okagbue tackled the man before stewards intervened and escorted him out of the ground.The incident took place 16 minutes from full-time as the Foxes were locked in a goalless stalemate with League Two Walsall.The minnows forced a penalty shootout but lost 3-0 on spot-kicks.Cooper insisted afterwards: “I didn’t really see it. But I obviously heard the chanting in the crowd and I’ll own that. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You’ll never hear me showing any disrespect towards the fans’ opinion of you. That’s what a supporter is, he needs to support his club in how he sees fit.”I’ve obviously got to build some credit here with the supporters and earn the right to do the job. But I knew that anyway.”It’s things like that will make me even more determined to do well because I’m desperate to do that. I’ve absolutely no problem with it.”Earlier, furious Leicester fans chanted: “Cooper, Cooper sort it out,” as the Premier League side struggled to make any impact against Mat Sadler’s Saddlers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalsall had already knocked out League One pair Exeter City and Huddersfield Town to reach the Carabao Cup third round for the first time in nine years.And the high-flying League Two outfit made it clear they weren’t about to sit back and admire their Prem opponents.Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowStrapping Saddlers defender Okagbue set the tone, sending Bobby Decordova-Reid crashing into the advertising boards within two minutes, much to Hamza Choudhury’s annoyance.Leicester’s mood certainly didn’t improve during a frustrating first-half in which they enjoyed 73.9 per cent possession, yet they didn’t manage a shot on target until four minutes before half-time.Even then it was a tame attempt as Facundo Buonanotte’s diving header from Boubacar Soumare’s cross deflected off Odsonne Edouard and landed tamely in Tommy Simkin’s gloves.In contrast it took a fine reflex save from Danny Ward to keep Leicester on level terms after 17 minutes.Nathan Lowe’s dangerous cross from the right just evaded Albert Adomah but dropped perfectly for Charlie Lakin whose volley was brilliantly beaten out by the Wales international.And the Foxes survived another major scare within two minutes of the restart.Abdul Fatawu gifted the ball to Lowe who set up Albert Adomah in front of goal but the former Aston Villa ace screwed his shot hopelessly wide with Ward’s goal at his mercy.Leicester fans’ patience had worn thin and they chanted: “Cooper, Cooper, sort it out.”The Welshman sent on Jordan Ayew for the ineffective Edouard and Fatawu fired into the side net then slashed a shot wide.Danny Ward was Leicester’s spot-kick king again as they side scraped through against Walsall on penalties.The Wales international saved all three Saddlers penalties, diving to his right to deny Taylor Allen, Okagbue and Liam Gordon.Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady and Oliver Skipp all kept their nerve to show their opponents how it should be done as they converted their efforts.Cooper tried to turn unease from the crowd into a positive in one sense as he said: “It’s maybe nights like this that you can look back on a form a strong relationship – that’s my objective. ” really want to do well for this club. I’ve bought into what it stands for and the people who work here on the football and non-football side are so well-natured I really want to do well. “I take that responsibility seriously. That extends to the supporters as well.”And of the vocal criticism he added: “It just makes me more determined.”I see the guys working so hard. No one said it was going to be easy. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’s not that often you see a newly-promoted team come into this league and hit the ground running and sail away in the Premier League. “It’s going to be a challenging season. It always is when you get promoted from the Championship. No one is up for it more than me.” More

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      Pep Guardiola spotted giving Phil Foden on-pitch coaching session AFTER Carabao Cup game with animated discussion

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      PEP GUARDIOLA gave Phil Foden an on-field coaching session – AFTER Manchester City’s win over Watford.Goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes helped City into the next round of the Carabao Cup against the Championship side.Pep Guardiola gave Phil Foden an on-field coaching session after Manchester City’s winCredit: PAThe Etihad boss could be seen pointing directions and instructions to FodenCredit: PAThe incident followed after a 2-1 win over WatfordCredit: PATom Ince grabbed a late consolation to give the Premier League champion’s a scare – but they held onto victory. Foden was tasked with leading the line for City and he was involved in an animated conversation after the final whistle with Guardiola. The Etihad boss could be seen pointing directions and instructions to Foden while putting his arm over the England international. It is not the first time the Spaniard has done so having given Erling Haaland an earful last season before half-time at Burnley. READ MORE IN football City have been handed a major headache with midfielder Rodri suffering a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. He could be ruled out until the end of the season with Guardiola faced with finding a replacement. Nunes was handed a shot in the game against Watford having endured an underwhelming 13 months since making a £53million move from Wolves.And after Nunes grabbed a goal, Guardiola said: “He has special qualities few players have, unique. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”With space in transition he’s unbelievable. I’m pleased for him and the goal. Still he has things to read and it’s not easy to adapt. “I’m really pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy and lovely guys always deserves good things.”Matheus Nunes scored against WatfordCredit: AP More

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      Watford denied shock Carabao Cup equaliser against Man City as goal chalked off despite ‘Haaland doing it every week’

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      FANS were left fuming after Watford were controversially denied an equaliser against Manchester City.The Hornets got off to a disaster start in their third round Carabao Cup tie away at the Premier League champions as Jeremy Doku scored after just five minutes.Kwadwo Baah eased Kaden Braithwaite aside before scoring but a foul was givenCredit: PAFans claimed Erling Haaland gets away with the same move all the timeCredit: ReutersBut Watford thought they had hit back immediately after Kwadwo Baah found the back of the net from a tight angle.The striker bundled his way into the box and barged 16-year-old debutant Kaden Braithwaite to the floor before finishing into the corner.But the goal was chalked off by referee David Webb for a foul to leave fans raging.One supporter said: “That’s incredibly harsh. Erling Haaland does this every week.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Doesn’t Haaland do this on a regular during matches and gets praised for showing ‘good strength’?More reacted: “I just don’t see a foul here. I’ve watched it four times in a row. Gutted for the lad, what a moment it would have been for him.”Even Specsavers chimed in and commented: “Here looking for customers.”The disallowed goal acted as a wake up call for City and they eventually extended their lead via a Matheus Nunes strike.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA goal from Tom Ince set up a nervy finish – but Pep Guardiola’s side held on to win 2-1.Watford, who are managed by ex-Manchester United star Tom Cleverly, currently sit eighth in the Championship.’It’s like throwing a punch’ | Why Haaland could be banned for launching ball at Gabriel’s headWe thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. 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      Chelsea ratings: Felix and Nkunku stake their claim for regular starting spots but Veiga could have done more

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      JOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.Christopher Nkunku stole the show with a hat-trick for Chelsea against BarrowCredit: GettyRenato Veiga struggled with the League Two side’s physicalityCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s side showed few frailties against the League Two leaders, despite 11 changes from their win over West Ham.There was even a return from the cold for Ben Chilwell after his summer transfer saga.Here’s how SunSport’s Ciaran Wiseman rated the players…Filip Jorgensen – 6Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMalo Gusto – 7Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.Axel Disasi – 6Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.Benoit Badiashile – 6Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.Renato Veiga – 6Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCesare Casadei – 7Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.Watch emotional moment Frank Lampard hugs Newcastle No2 after England international dad passes away Pedro Neto – 7Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.Pedro Neto scored his first Chelsea goal just minutes into the second halfCredit: ReutersJoao Felix – 8Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.Christopher Nkunku – 9Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.SubsBen Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward. More

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      Chelsea 5 Barrow 0: Nkunku bags Carabao Cup hat-trick against minnows to give boss Maresca welcome selection headache

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      CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU took top billing as Chelsea turned on the style against League Two minnows.The French striker scored a classy hat-trick and was then immediately substituted to a standing ovation.Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trickCredit: GettyHe netted a stunning back-heeled finishCredit: GettyPedro Neto scored his first goal since moving from WolvesCredit: PANkunku scored two in the first quarter of an hour then bagged the match ball with a quarter of an hour left.He was then taken off to rest his legs for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton as Chelsea cruised into the fourth round.That is six goals for the season so far for Nkunku who is pressing his case for more game time. The £52million signing has started only two Prem games under new boss Enzo Maresca.But on a night that Chelsea’s head coach changed his entire team from last weekend, there was still no place in the starting line up for outcast Ben Chilwell.The one-time England left back played second fiddle to newly-acquired Portugal U21 left back Renato Veiga to underline just how grim his future looks at Stamford Bridge.Chilwell eventually came on at half time to get his first competitive action for Chelsea since the FA Cup semi final defeat to Manchester City last April.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea player ratings vs BarrowJOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.Here’s how the starting XI rated…Filip Jorgensen – 6Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.Malo Gusto – 7Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.Axel Disasi – 6Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.Benoit Badiashile – 6Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.Renato Veiga – 6Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.Cesare Casadei – 7Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.Pedro Neto – 7Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.Joao Felix – 8Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.Christopher Nkunku – 9Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.SubsBen Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.Click here to read more on Chelsea.Maresca enjoyed the entertainment as his rejigged team went ahead after only eight minutes. Most read in FootballNkunku timed a run to perfection and latched onto a cheeky flick over the visitors’ defence by Joao Felix and volleyed in from ten yards out.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyAnd he struck again seven minutes later thanks to even fancier footwork and diverted home a cross from Malo Gusto off the inside of his heel from even closer range.Chelsea’s massively reshuffled team cruised to victory virtually unopposed as they dominated from start to finish against a team 64 places below them in the league.The third goal arrived on 28 minutes in the shape of a wickedly curling free kick from outside the box.Felix initially claimed it but the ball actually cannoned off the inside of the post and struck Barrow keeper Paul Farman to go down as an unlucky own goal.Chilwell had been on for only three minutes when Chelsea pulled further clear on 48 minutes.A mistake in midfield allowed Mykhailo Mudryk to charge clear and provide the assist across goal for winger Pedro Neto to bury a shot into an open net.Barrow provided a brief threat to Chelsea when Kian Spence forced a diving save at the foot of the post from Blues’ keeper Filip Jorgensen.The midfielder drew another decent stop out of Jorgensen on 68 minutes with a curling free kick from just outside the box.But faint hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Barrow keeper Farman’s night went from bad to worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlready harshly credited with an own goal in the first half, he then tried to dribble around Nkunku dangerously close to his line, lost out and watched helplessly as the Chelsea man rolled the ball in to claim his third.The game marked the return from injury for right-back Gusto who has missed the previous two matches with a hamstring issue. 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      Sky Sports’ coverage of live Carabao Cup tie cuts out mid-match forcing broadcaster to issue apology

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      SKY SPORTS were forced to apologise after Aston Villa’s Carabao Cup game against Wycombe cut off. The feed momentarily cut away just after the half-time break with the match level at 0-0. Aston Villa’s Carabao Cup game against Wycombe cut off live on airSky Sports were forced to apologise for the issueInitially, the screen turned green before a message came up and read: “We’re really sorry for this temporary fault.” Commentators also apologised for the technical error – which was not fully explained. Fans joked even Sky were so bored of the goalless draw they decided to pack it in. One said: “Even Sky have given up on Villa’s performance tonight, they’ve pulled the plug.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Sky took the Villa game off tv due to how boring we’ve been.”One joked: “Villa playing so badly tonight they’ve broken Sky.”Another said: “Villa playing so s*** Sky just couldn’t be a***d.”Villa fans did soon have something to smile about as Emi Buendia opened the scoring on the hour mark. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn-form Jhon Duran then made it 2-0 to wrap up the game with an 85th minute strike despite Richard Kone’s late consolation for Wycombe. That makes it five straight wins for Unai Emery’s side in all competitions. Is Man Utd star Harry Amass the next Luke Shaw? More

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      I’m a Bolton icon who scored against Arsenal in famous upset – here’s why we will beat Mikel Arteta’s men in Carabao Cup

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      BOLTON legend John McGinlay believes his old club can dump Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup — 30 years after his Highbury heroics.‘Super John’ scored the opening goal when second-tier Wanderers shocked the Gunners in an FA Cup fourth-round replay back in 1994.John McGinlay celebrates his goal against Arsenal at Highbury thirty years ago with Bolton captain Phil BrownCredit: GettyBruce Rioch led Bolton to victory that night- and a year later was Arsenal bossCredit: PA:Press AssociationArsenal had completed an FA Cup and League Cup double the previous season but lost 3-1 after extra-time to Bruce Rioch’s free-flowing side.The Trotters are now in League One but McGinlay, 60,  believes Ian Evatt’s current crop of players are capable of humiliating Mikel Arteta’s men in Wednesday’s third-round tie at the Emirates — despite their poor start to the season.He said: “There were many occasions when Bruce Rioch was in charge of Bolton that we went into games when people gave us no chance.“But we enjoyed proving them wrong — and that is what we have to do against Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have some good young players, who just need to go out and express themselves. It’s a free hit and it comes on the back of a big 5-2 win over Reading that was much needed.“It is the sort of night that can really click us into gear for the season. If the players play to their potential there is no reason why they can’t produce a shock.“Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for Bolton.“They can cause Arsenal problems and it’s an occasion they must enjoy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRioch’s Bolton also saw off Everton and Aston Villa on that famous Cup run before losing to Oldham in the last eight.And Scottish striker McGinlay, who made more than 250 appearances in five years at the Trotters,  revealed they EXPECTED to turn Arsenal over.What happened to Highbury?He said: “We were the lower-league team nobody wanted to draw in the Cup.“We had drawn 2-2 with Arsenal at Burnden Park so we knew we could be a match for them.“It was a great feeling to score with a header, then Alan Smith equalised.“Jason McAteer leathered one to put us back in front in extra-time and Andy Walker finished it off.“They had pretty much the England back four, with Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn in front of David Seaman, and an excellent manager in George Graham.Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for BoltonJOHN McGINLAY“We respected every team we played but we knew if we played to our maximum, we could get a result. We had David Lee on the right wing — he would rip teams apart with his pace and skill.“One of biggest things was looking back at the footage. Arsenal were on their knees. We were extremely fit but they were out on their feet.“Bruce Rioch was hands down the best manager I played for, there is no question about that.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have a tricky start to the season“He was a great leader. He was a hard taskmaster but he was fair with you.“He was fantastic and, looking back, that win probably sealed the Arsenal job for him.” More

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      Chelsea 5-0 Barrow – Carabao Cup LIVE RESULT: Nkunku hits HAT-TRICK as Blues run rampant in Carabao Cup – latest updates

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      CHELSEA kickstarted their 2024/25 Carabao Cup campaign with a 5-0 win against League Two minnows Barrow.Blues’ striker Christopher Nkunku hit a hat-trick and an own goal and Pedro Neto’s first goal for the club rounded things off at Stamford Bridge. Kick-off time: 7:45pm BSTLive stream: NOW TVTV channel: Sky Sports+Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Disasi, Badiashile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Felix, Mudryk; GuiuBarrow XI: Farman, Campbell, Spence, Garner, Newby, Stokes, Foley, Acquah, Feely, Jackson, VassellBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollow ALL the action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below…Perfect triple ChrisChristopher Nkunku finished flawlessly for his hat-trick against barrow.And this stat proves it!The Frenchman, 26, netted from all his three goal attempts in the Carabao Cup tonight.And if he stays fit he’ll surely become a Prem regular at some stage this season. Copy linkCopiedChelsea’s striker ratingChristopher Nkunku – 9Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.Copy linkCopiedBlues’ midfield ratingsCesare Casadei – 7Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.Pedro Neto – 7Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.Joao Felix – 8Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.Mykhailo Mudryk – 7Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.Copy linkCopiedHow Chelsea rated – the defenceFilip Jorgensen – 6Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.Malo Gusto – 7Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.Axel Disasi – 6Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.Benoit Badiashile – 6Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.Renato Veiga – 6Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.Copy linkCopiedFelix and Nkunku pressing for Prem startJoao Felix and Christopher Nkunku could not have done much more to earn a Prem start at home to Brighton on Saturday.Felix was irresistible, floating around, while Nkunku’s hat-trick included one stunner.Blues’ striker Nicolas Jackson would appear to be the player most at threat.Christopher Nkunku notched a treble, with Joao Felix getting the first assistCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedBarrow players take plaudits from fansThe difference between the two teams at the final whistle showed one major difference between the clubs.Barrow stayed out for a glorious reception from their fans.In contrast, Chelsea’s players soon walked off – job done.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowBarrow fans never stopped encouraging their side – but Christopher Nkunku’s early double killed this contest off.Keeper Paul Farman’s own goal made it 3-0 at the break.Pedro Neto and Nkunku’s simple hat-trick finish following Farman’s blunder rounded off the Blues’ victory. Copy linkCopiedRESULT: Chelsea 5-0 BarrowCopy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowChukwuemeka wasted a gaping opportunity to make it six – high and spectacularly wide.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowMudryk is looking to create more trouble down the left.And one surge gave Acheampong an opportunity to show his deft footwork. Fellow teenager George then almost put Chukwuemeka in on goal.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowBarrow’s lively sub Kouyate fizzed an ambitious 30-yarder high.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowChukwuemeka had his second half-chance for the Blues.But Barrow are roared on by their 3,000 fans when they win another corner.But Jackson’s effort was punched away before the League Two side concede a free-kick for pushing in the box.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowAfter escaping strong penalty appeals, Barrow break to win a corner – with their fans still pumped up.Guiu was then almost instantly in for Chelsea at the other end. Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 BarrowThe two main Blues, Nkunku and Felix were taken off.On came Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Guiu.And the pressure didn’t come off Barrow.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Chelsea 5-0 BarrowA Christopher Nkunku hat-trick!But Barrow keeper Farman was totally at fault.Misjudging how much time he had with the ball at his feet, he was dispossessed by Nkunku on his second touch.And the rest was inevitable.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowBarrow engineered another corner, having maintained their impressive workrate in adversity.But Chelsea easily cleared – and Mudryk burst clear to almost slip Felix in.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowTeen star George won’t get many better chances to fire his first Chelsea goal.Just 12 yards and in plenty of space, he screwed a low shot wide.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowBest Barrow opportunity?The visitors have won a free-kick just outside the left corner of the Chelsea box.Spence’s firm right-footer was punched away by Jorgensen – safety first when he might have been able to catch it.So it was a Barrow corner – with Jorgensen finally grabbing it after a moment of pinball.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowThe Blues brought on 18-year-olds Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George midway through this stroll of a second half.It comes as Mudryk turns in an improved display out wide – inspired perhaps by Felix.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowFelix has been outstanding so far – surely the best player on the pitch.And the winger will be sniffing a goal himself as the Blues dictate possession.Chilwell hit the ball off a defender to win a corner but it was cleared – only for Chelsea to soon win another one.But Felix’s delivery enabled Barrow to clear once more.Benoit Badiashile made a mess of one scoring chanceCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowFarman has now produced two top-quality saves – from Dewsbury-Hall and Casadei.And he’s likely to face more action as Chelsea are now well on top. Neto fizzed a cross over everyone, as pressure mounts.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowMudryk burst menacingly down the left, with Vassell forced to concede a corner.Casadei met it with a corner well saved by Farman – at the expense of another corner.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowBadiashile barged into Garner – giving Barrow another free-kick in a half-decent position.Spence’s near-post deadball was smartly kept out by Jorgensen.Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 BarrowEx-Chelsea academy kid Neo Eccleston came on at the interval – and has already been in the thick of it in the Barrow defence.Badiashile has just mis-hit a gaping chance wide when the Blues were sniffing a fifth goal.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Chelsea 4-0 BarrowNeto bags his first goal for Chelsea – thanks to an unselfish pass from Mudryk on 48 minutes.Copy linkCopied More