James steals the show in Chelsea cup win

Chelsea 7 Grimsby 1

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored on his return and Reece James on his debut as Chelsea cruised through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup – where they will be at home to Manchester United.

Michy Bayshuayi scored twice and there were also goals for Ross Barkley, Pedro and Kurt Zouma.

There were senior debuts too for academy players Marc Guehi, Ian Maatsen and Tino Anjorin and a first start for Billy Gilmour.

Barkley scored in the sixth minute, collecting Pedro’s pass and firing past keeper James McKeown at his near post.

James was involved in the build-up to to the second goal. His cross deflected towards Batshuayi, who found the bottom corner.

Matt Green pulled a goal back for League Two side Grimsby with a stunning strike, but Pedro restored Chelsea’s two-goal advantage with a penalty a couple of minutes before half-time after Zouma was fouled in the area.

The outstanding James, fit again after an ankle problem, created the fourth Chelsea goal, beating his man on the right and crossing for Zouma to score.

James also set up a chance for the disappointing Christian Pulisic, who blasted wide and later missed the target after being set up by Barkley.

James showed how it’s done by belting home a 20-yard shot to make it five before Batshuayi found the top corner for his second and Chelsea’s sixth.

Hudson-Odoi, back after a ruptured Achilles tendon, made it seven in the final minute with a tidy finish after being found by Batshuayi.