Michy Batshuayi was the star of the show for Chelsea on Wednesday night, with the Belgian striker netting a hat-trick as the Blues beat Nottingham Forest 5-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Despite making nine changes from the teamwhich drew 0-0 with Arsenal at the weekend, Blues’ boss Antonio Conte could still field a strong 11, with Eden Hazard making his first start of the season.
It took just 13 minutes for the hosts to open the scoring, with wing-back Kenedy volleying home.
Soon after, Batshuayi got his first of the night, scoring from close-range after good work from the impressive Cesc Fabregas and Hazard.
The visitors, who had made eight changes for the third round tie, almost got a goal back, only from Everton loanee Kieran Dowell’s free-kick to come back off the bar.
However, Chelsea went 3-0 up just before the break, with Charley Musonda capping his full debut for the Blues with a goal after a fine pass from Fabregas.
After the break, Batshuayi scored again, this time after some sizzling solo play from fellow countryman Hazard.
Late on, Batshuayi completed his hat-trick, scoring after Kenedy’s shot had come back off the crossbar.
Forest would get a consolation goal at the death, with Tendayi Darikwa slotting home after a counter-attack.
However, Chelsea were well worth the victory, with the potent display from Batshuayi no doubt impressing Conte.
Chelsea now face a tasty fourth round clash with Everton at Stamford Bridge.