Chelsea fans call on Enzo Maresca to ‘bench whoever we have to’ in order to get one ‘Team B’ star into his main XI after a dazzling Carabao Cup display
- Chelsea host League Two side Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening
- Blues boss Enzo Maresca made 11 changes before watching his ‘Team B’ run amok
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Chelsea made a strong start to Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Barrow by scoring three goals in the first half hour.
Two of those shots came from Christopher Nkunku’s right boot, with Paul Farman scoring an own goal.
But it was perhaps Joao Felix who shone most in a starting XI that featured no players, having started Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
Felix set up Nkunku’s first goal with a beautiful pass.
The Portuguese playmaker was then unlucky not to score himself when his free-kick from 23 yards hit the post, with the ball then deflecting off the back of Barrow keeper Farman and into the net.
Chelsea took on Barrow in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night and made a brilliant start
Blues manager Enzo Maresca (left) made 11 changes to his starting XI for Tuesday’s match
Striker Christopher Nkunku and playmaker Joao Felix were in fantastic form at Stamford Bridge
Felix (right) assisted Nkunku (no. 18) in the opening goal with a beautiful pass
Felix had not played a single game for Chelsea this season until Tuesday evening.
His first four appearances under new manager Enzo Maresca were as a substitute in the Premier League.
But after seeing Felix shine against League Two Barrow, several Blues supporters called on Maresca to give him more playing time against stronger opponents.
A fan tweeted: ‘Bench everyone who has to let Felix play. Doesn’t matter who, he can NEVER sit on the bench.’
In response to his free kick that led to an own goal, there was a different message: ‘If Joao Felix touches the ball, you know what the end result is.’
A third fan tweeted: ‘That’s exactly why I wanted Felix back. Special player.’
Nkunku also received praise on social media.
“I can’t believe this is our team B,” one fan wrote after Felix provided an assist for Nkunku in the eighth minute.
Another enthusiastic Blues supporter stated: ‘Cup games become so much fun with Felix and Nkunku around’.
