Enzo Maresca was left relying on the impact of his substitutes to help Chelsea navigate their way to the League Cup semi-finals.
The boss made 11 changes to his starting side following the victory against Everton, with some Chelsea fans believing Maresca was proving a point to the sporting directors that his squad depth was not of the level required.
Both Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto came off the bench to score the three goals for the Blues in their 3-1 victory, adding some much-needed quality in front of goal after the starting wingers failed to impress.
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Marc Guiu was criticised for his performance by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink after he made a rare start, and he was the first to come off at half-time, being replaced by Joao Pedro.
Cardiff City v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Joao Pedro the unsung hero of Chelsea’s win over Cardiff City
Instantly, the Brazilian lifted Chelsea’s levels in attack, having no problems holding the ball up like Guiu had been unable to do.
While on the pitch, Pedro created two chances, registering an assist as Garnacho killed off the game with his second goal late on.
Joao Pedro stats vs Cardiff City Total
Minutes 45
Assists 1
Shots 4
Chances Created 2
Touches 25
Chelsea fans were chanting the name of Maresca at full-time after the recent saga involving his relationship with club chiefs, and he will have credit in the bank now after his substitutes saved them against Cardiff.
The new-look front three in the second half delivered this, and will have all staked their claim for a starting place against Newcastle at the weekend.
Estevao Willian is not set to be fit, while the likes of Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George failed to make their mark last night.
Cardiff City v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Joao Pedro must now kick on in front of goal
With Liam Delap currently unavailable due to injury, Maresca would have been hoping Pedro could have been afforded a rest in the League Cup, but ultimately his presence was required.
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Goals have not been coming as frequently as the former Brighton man would have liked since his move to the club, although his all-round game is an important boost for the Blues right now.
In 16 Premier League games, Pedro has four goals and three assists so far, making him Chelsea’s second-top scorer in the competition.
Blues fans will be hopeful the return of Cole Palmer will spark him into more regular goalscoring form, just like was promised from his Club World Cup campaign.
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