Here’s how the Bluebirds players rated in the Carabao Cup quarter final clash with Chelsea
Cardiff City’s Carabao Cup run came to a brave end under the lights at the Cardiff City Stadium as Chelsea edged a pulsating quarter-final 3-1, but Brian Barry-Murphy’s young side pushed their Premier League visitors every step of the way. In front of a raucous home crowd, the League One leaders matched Chelsea for long spells, played with real ambition and showed exactly why they sit top of the table.
After an entertaining, goalless first half in which Isaak Davies, David Turnbull and Cian Ashford all caused problems, the game turned early in the second period when Dylan Lawlor’s misplaced pass was punished by Alejandro Garnacho, who fired Chelsea ahead. Cardiff refused to wilt. Turnbull, outstanding throughout, hauled City level with a magnificent header from Perry Ng’s cross, sparking belief that a famous upset could be on the cards.
That hope was cruelly extinguished eight minutes from time when Pedro Neto’s driven effort took a decisive deflection off Joel Bagan and flew past Nathan Trott. Garnacho then killed the tie in stoppage time with his second of the evening.
Defeat, yes, but a performance full of pride, promise and plenty of standout displays that made the ratings a fascinating exercise.
Nathan Trott 8
So cool with the ball at his feet, skinning the Chelsea strikers on more than one occasion. Made a smart low save with his feet from a first-half Marc Guiu shot. Produced more stunning saves after the break, including a brave one low at Joao Pedro’s feet.
Perry Ng 8
Did an excellent job of containing the dangerous Jamie Gittens. Needed his level head both in defence and attack. Swung in a great cross for Turnbull’s header. So dependable in such a high-stakes game.
Dylan Lawlor 6
His confidence shone through in spades on the ball, always looking for the option and a midfielder rather than hoofing clear. That was to his detriment for Alejandro Garnacho’s first goal. His errant pass was punished.
Calum Chambers 7
Raised his game for Premier League opponents and Cardiff needed it. Strong in the challenge and carried the ball well. A solid outing from the defender.
Joel Bagan 8
Dovetailed brilliantly with Isaak Davies and released him through on goal on more than one occasion. He deflected Pedro Neto’s shot into the bottom corner, but he knew very little about it.
Ryan Wintle 7
Another encouraging display against a vaunted midfield. Never overawed. One poor pass allowed Chelsea in, but other than that it was a good outing.
Joel Colwill 8
Cardiff really needed his tenacity and bite in the middle. He broke up play, helped with the press and looked adept at the level.
David Turnbull 9 (star man)
Probably his best performance for City – even without the goal. Really produced when needed. Worried Filip Jorgensen with a few efforts on goal and displayed a great passing range to release the attackers. Then popped up to steer a stunning header home.
Cian Ashford 8
The Welsh winger is in red-hot form at the moment and continued it against the Blues. Troubled his full-back time and time again. Really blossoming at the moment.
Callum Robinson 6
Struggled to really get into it, with two towering defenders dwarfing him in aerial duels. But linked nicely and pressed really well.
Isaak Davies 8
Picking up from where he left off on Saturday with another electric display. Ran Josh Acheampong ragged at times in an enthralling battle on that side. Almost saw a deflected cross hit the back of the net, but Jorgensen was alert.
Subs
Yousef Salech (Robinson 56) 6 – Like Robinson, didn’t really have a big say in proceedings up against Chelsea’s big defenders.
Chris Willock (Davies 56) 7 – Added something to Cardiff’s attack when he came on. Always showed and was careful with the ball.
Alex Robertson (J. Colwill 80) 6 – Tidy with the ball and broke the lines on the odd occasion, too.
Will Fish (Ng 90) NA
—
*Sign up to our daily Bluebirds newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here. Cardiff City correspondent Glen Williams is also on social media. He can be found on his X account here, on Instagram, on TikTok and on Facebook.
