Enzo Maresca’s side booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, with Chelsea finally defeating a stubborn Cardiff City on Tuesday night. The Blues struggled to assert their dominance against their League One opponents, with many of their star players being overwhelmed in Wales.
Twelve minutes into the second period, Alejandro Garnacho, who came on as a substitute at half-time, scored a good goal for the visiting team. Cardiff, who had the upper hand in the match, hit back with a header from David Turnbull in the 75th minute. However, Pedro Neto put the visitors back in the lead in the final 10 minutes before Garnacho added his second goal of the night in stoppage time to seal victory. Express Sport has also rated and shortlisted Chelsea players.
Chelsea vs Cardiff player ratings (4-2-3-1)
Philip Jorgensen: 6
He was able to receive the ball from defenders throughout the game. And he was solid between the sticks when called for saves.
Josh Achiampong: 6
They struggled with the pace of Isaac Davies and were almost exposed by the winger midway through the first half. Ten minutes later, Jorgensen was forced into a fine save, allowing Davis to pull the lead again. However, at times he appeared calm and assisted Adarabioyo well.
Tosin Adarabioyo: 5
When Chelsea’s backline was put under pressure, it quickly tightened up every time the ball came to him. They lacked a bit of pace and looked vulnerable in the center of defence.
Benoit Badiashil: 4
Unstable at times, he passed the ball straight to Turnbull just before the interval, and the Cardiff man fired a shot towards goal. Possession was too slow and it will be difficult for them to force their way into the Blues’ Premier League side.
Jorel Hato: 5
He was one of the Chelsea players who were overwhelmed by their League One opponents. After forcing Cian Ashford to the floor early on, he was awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area.
Andrei Santos: 6
He was guilty of making too many lateral passes when the team needed to break through the line and get the ball to the forwards.
Moises Caicedo: 7
He looked to be good on the ball, playing a decent pass to Marc Giu in the first half and a great ball to Jamie Gittens shortly after. I took off my socks and secured myself on all fours on my back.
Tilik George: 6
He played energetically on the right flank and tried to cause problems for Cardiff’s defense, but several crosses into the box in the first half went wide and he was unable to get an accurate shot.
Facundo Buonanotte: 4
Although he only played 45 minutes in the Premier League this season, his rustiness was noticeable. They didn’t provide enough speed or attacking quality and looked lost at times. However, he assisted Garnacho’s first goal.
Jamie Gittens: 4
He lacked the final product when on the ball and struggled to make an impact in the final third. They failed to threaten Cardiff’s last line enough and were stripped away too easily. Garnacho was lucky to stay until half-time as he shifted to the right flank when he was introduced, but he was replaced by Neto after 19 minutes.
Marc Giu: 6
Due to their lack of presence up front, they were not given many chances. Thirty minutes into the game, he had a shot close to goal after being hit by Moises Caicedo, but his shot was saved by Nathan Trott. It only lasted 45 minutes.
replacement
Alejandro Garnacho: 9
He replaced George at half-time and played on the left, but the Blues became even more threatening after his introduction. His quality showed as he made the breakthrough for the visitors 12 minutes after coming on, and sealed victory by a second.
João Pedro: 6
He hasn’t scored in recent weeks but has been given 45 minutes to show what he’s capable of. However, it lacked sharpness.
Pedro Neto: 7
His presence proved invaluable when he came on in the second half for Jamie Gittens and scored the Blues’ second goal.
Maro Gusto: 7
Neto was introduced as a double substitute for Facundo Buonanotte when he almost forced Joel Bagan into his own goal.
Trevor Chalovar: 6
He was called upon to strengthen the Blues’ defense towards the end of the game.
