Kai Havertz scores hat trick as Chelsea batter Barnsley, reach fourth round

A Kai Havertz hat trick helped Chelsea cruise into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable 6-0 victory over Barnsley on Wednesday.

Havertz, who signed with Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £62 million this summer, scored goals in the 28th, 55th and 65th minute to complete the milestone, while Tammy Abraham, Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud rounded out the Blues rout.

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The lopsided result sets up a clash in the next round with either Tottenham or Leyton Orient, who had their third-round match postponed on Tuesday due to positive COVID-19 tests.

Abraham struck first for the hosts in the 19th minute, intercepting a careless back pass to a defender before slotting home from inside the box.

Havertz got his first for his new club nine minutes later with a deft finish from close range after a wonderful Abraham dummy played him in with only the keeper to beat.

Barkley made his presence felt in the 49th minute after more slack Barnsley ball-handling at the back, pouncing and firing past keeper Bradley Collins after a Havertz tackle outside the box played the ball into his path.

Havertz then completed his hat trick in a 10-minute flurry, the first coming from a lovely Abraham layoff and the second from a pass behind the defense that he played between Collins’ legs before rolling into an empty net.

Giroud converted a diving header to put the finishing touch on a comprehensive victory at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m delighted with Kai,” said Chelsea manager Frank Lampard about the player’s performance.

“It was everything I wanted the night to be for him. Because Kai has had no pre-season and signing for the club took a few days out for him as well.”

Havertz was one of several notable signings Chelsea made over the summer, bringing the German midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen.

“Tonight was a great exercise for him to see how we want to work off the ball, for him to be a part of that,” added Lampard.

“He made a great recovery tackle for Ross’ goal, and then to also just have some freedom on the ball and roam in more central areas.

“I thought it was a great combination with Tammy and I was pleased with the way he grew into the game in terms of confidence. It was a great night for Kai, and the first of many for him.”