You might glance at the 5-0 scoreline, flick on the highlights and assume there was no contest to be had at Stamford Bridge as Barrow were swiftly and comprehensively put to the sword by a Chelsea side which has had a sum invested in their frontline that would cover the League Two leaders' wage bill for a century.

Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to his Chelsea line-up for the visit of Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round, but a fine start to the Italian's Stamford Bridge tenure was never at risk of being derailed as Christopher Nkunku's hat-trick secured a 5-0 romp over the League Two side.

Thanks to his first Chelsea treble, the 26-year-old now has six goals in eight appearances this season for the Blues. Nkunku was making his first start for the hosts since their opening-day defeat by Manchester City last month.