Carabao Cup round-up: Nkunku hat-trick, forgotten man saves Man City, Aston Villa through
Chelsea, Manchester City, Leicester and Aston Villa emerged victorious on Wednesday night in their Carabao Cup matches.
It saw all Premier League sides through, though some had better fortunes than others.
Chelsea had the most successful night, though were facing one of the lowest-ranked teams left when they hosted League Two side Barrow at Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku scored a fine hat-trick as the Blues steamrolled to a 5-0 victory in west London.
Christopher Nkunku scored a hat-trick for Chelsea
REUTERS
The Frenchman opened the scoring in the eighth minute to make it a long night for Barrow, whose goalkeeper Paul Farman suffered a horror moment when Joao Felix's free-kick bounced off the post, hitting him and going in.
Nkunku had netted his second after 15 minutes before the own goal before completing his hat-trick on 75 minutes.
A defensive error saw Mykhailo Mudryk race clear to set up Pedro Neto to make it a comfortable evening for Enzo Maresca.
And his old tutor Pep Guardiola enjoyed a relatively easy night, just two days after City faced Arsenal.
Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes scored in the first half before Watford grabbed one back with five minutes to go through Tom Ince.
Forgotten man Nunes, who scored his first goal for City on Wednesday, might have to step up in Rodri's place after the Spaniard's season-ending injury.
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However, it proved just a consolation as City held on to win at the Etihad - with Aston Villa putting on a similar show.
Playing away at Wycombe, Emi Buendia gave Villa boss Unai Emery a sigh of relief when he scored on 55 minutes before Jhon Duran doubled the lead from the penalty spot with five minutes left.
Richard Kone made it 2-1 with seconds on the clock as Villa reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Emi Buendia has had injury troubles before scoring the opener for Aston Villa
REUTERS
Speaking after the contest, Villa star Ian Maatsen said: "It is tough to come here and they are aggressive in the press.
"We stayed as a team and scored two goals and we have to stay tough with each other. We are really happy we got the win.
"I am happy to get some minutes and keep the rhythm up.
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Leicester star Danny Ward proved the hero in their penalty shootout
REUTERS
"I just try to give my best. I am still learning and happy to be at Villa. Hopefully, many more minutes to come."
Leicester, meanwhile, squeezed through to join their Premier League rivals in the next round after beating Walsall on penalties.
The League Two side, who are third in the table, put up a gutsy display against their illustrious opponents to keep them at bay.
However, Foxes goalkeeper Danny Ward proved the hero after saving every penalty as Leicester went on to win the shootout 3-0.