Hat trick for Havertz as Chelsea strolls in League Cup

A hat trick for Kai Havertz. A debut for Thiago Silva. Things are slowly falling into place for Chelsea after its offseason spending spree.

After two underwhelming appearances in Premier League, Havertz — signed for $92 million from German club Bayer Leverkusen — anunced himself in English soccer by scoring three goals in Chelsea’s 6-0 win over second-tier Barnsley in third round of League Cup on Wednesday.

21-year-old Germany international played in his favored position behind striker after being tried in various roles in forward line so far by manr Frank Lampard. He looked more at home as a “. 10” and his finishing was assured, albeit against modest opposition.

Thiago Silva, meanwhile, lasted 61 minutes before being withdrawn by Lampard as Brazil center back looks to build up match sharpness before a league debut, which could come at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Chelsea has spent more than $250 million on new players ahead of this season, with Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell also joining for big fees. Chilwell came on as a 66th-minute substitute against Barnsley for his debut, replacing Havertz, and set up sixth goal scored by Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal won 2-0 at Leicester in an all-Premier League matchup thanks to an own-goal and a late strike by Eddie Nketiah, while Everton, Newcastle, Brighton, Burnley and Fulham enjoyed victories over lower-league opponents.

Newcastle routed fourth-tier Morecambe 7-0, with Joelinton scoring twice, while ar Brazilian forward, Richarlison, netted two goals for Everton as Carlo Ancelotti’s side overwhelmed Fleetwood in a 5-2 away win.

Brighton, Burnley and Fulham all won 2-0, against Preston, Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively.

Manchester United was among teams to advance on Tuesday.

Im credits: AP