Chelsea survived a scare in South Wales as they booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a narrow victory against Cardiff.
The Blues won 3-1, however would not have been in that position had it not been for the impact of their substitutes off the bench.
Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto both scored after replacing the starting wingers, who in truth did little to impact the game.
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Or does anyone else deserve a shout? Let us know!
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Enzo Maresca made 11 changes to his starting side from the win over Everton, and very few of those will have convinced the boss that they should see more minutes.
The Chelsea Chronicle have handed out player ratings for the Blues’ 2-1 win against League One opposition.
Cardiff City v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Chelsea player ratings vs Cardiff City
Filip Jorgensen – 7/10
One of Chelsea’s more impressive players in his first appearance of any kind since October. Made a particularly good save to turn behind a goalbound deflected cross.
Josh Acheampong – 6/10
A few nervy moments but largely another impressive, composed performance from Josh Acheampong in the right-back position.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 5/10
A poor spell for Tosin Adarabioyo continued with another sloppy showing in possession, particularly in the first half.
Benoit Badiashile – 6/10
Helped his left-back out where possible, and was arguably the pick of the central defenders who played for the Blues.
Jorrel Hato – 5/10
Struggled on a number of occasions as Cardiff frequently went 2v1 down their right-wing, with the cross for the equalising goal coming from his side.
Moises Caicedo – 7/10
Moises Caicedo was the only regular who started for Chelsea, and was head and shoulders above every other player in the XI who began the game.
The only player who really got the Blues on the attack with any pace, trying to get the forwards into play.
Andrey Santos – 6/10
A decent display from the young Brazilian, but not one that has left Maresca absolutely needing to bring him into the team more often.
Tyrique George – 6/10
Was definitely Chelsea’s brightest attacker when he was on the pitch, but couldn’t make the desired impact on the right of attack before his half-time substitution.
A new position for Tyrique George tonight!
What should the Blues do with him in January?
Cardiff City v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Facundo Buonanotte – 4/10
Was making his first appearance in the matchday squad since November 5, and did nothing to suggest he should be a regular again.
Really poor performance before being replaced in the second half.
Jamie Gittens – 4/10
Didn’t look threatening in the slightest on either wing, and was rightfully replaced in the second half. Jamie Gittens’ poor start at Chelsea continued.
Marc Guiu – 4/10
A very difficult night for Marc Guiu up against a physical Cardiff defence. Also spurned Chelsea’s best chance of the first half, before being replaced at the break.
Alejandro Garnacho – 9/10
Instantly changed the game after being brought on at half-time, with Alejandro Garnacho giving the Blues the lead in the second half, before sealing the deal before the final whistle.
Is clearly winning the battle with Gittens for a spot on the left wing.
Joao Pedro – 7/10
Another half-time introduction which greatly benefitted Maresca’s men, with Chelsea looking far more dangerous when Joao Pedro was introduced into the game.
Pedro Neto – 8/10
Continued to show why he is one of Maresca’s most relied upon players this season. Pedro Neto dragged the Blues out of a hole when he found the net late on.
Malo Gusto – 6/10
Spurned a good chance when the Blues were 1-0 up. He is really enjoying getting into attacking positions of late.
Trevoh Chalobah – N/A
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