Carabao Cup

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

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

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. More