After eight months on the sidelines, Ross Barkley made his long-awaited return to action in the Carabao Cup this evening.The 24-year-old, who completed a £15 million transfer to Chelsea from Everton earlier this month, came on midway through the first half against Arsenal following an injury to Willian.This was the opportunity that Barkley had been waiting for, having been an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 4-0 away win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend.The England international, who impressed in a behind-closed-doors friendly match against Queens Park Rangers last week, was sent on with the scores already level at 1-1.Eden Hazard had given the Blues an early lead but Arsenal equalised five minutes later courtesy of an unfortunate Antonio Rudiger own goal.But how did Chelsea’s new signing fare on his debut?

Initially struggled to get into the game

It was a baptism of fire for the midfielder, who was taken out by his fellow England international, Jack Wilshere, moments after entering the fray.

For the remainder of the half, Barkley struggled to get into the game, which shouldn’t have come as a surprise given his lack of match fitness.

Antonio Conte was probably hoping to give Barkley a few minutes towards the end of the game, rather than an hour.

Second half

Barkley showed signs that he was gradually finding his feet early in the second half and began to have slightly more of an influence on proceedings.

But barring a few neat touches with his new teammates, the 24-year-old failed to have the desired impact and never looked like conjuring the moment of magic that might have led to another precious away goal after Granit Xhaka put the Gunners 2-1 up on the hour-mark.

Many football fans were cruelly asking if Barkley was actually on the pitch...

Give the lad a chance

However, it's far too early to be jumping to conclusions about Barkley. Some people reckon tonight's performance is evidence that he is out of his depth at Chelsea but that's obviously knee-jerk nonsense.

The former Toffee was only half-fit this evening and shouldn't be judged on this particular display.

Give him time and he could still prove his many doubters wrong.

What did you make of Ross Barkley's performance against Arsenal? Have your say by leaving a comment below.