Super-Sub Garnacho Lead Chelsea Enter EFL Cup Semi-Final After Narrow 3-1 Win Over Cardiff City

Chelsea knack Cardiff City 3-1 for EFL Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, secure their place for semi-final.

Match Gist

Chelsea wey rotate plenty players no start well for first half, play slow slow wey allow Cardiff dey defend fine and even create chance dem. First half end 0-0.

Half-time substitute Alejandro Garnacho knack first goal for 57th minute, but David Turnbull header equalize for 75th minute. Pedro Neto restore Chelsea lead few minutes later, then Garnacho complete brace for 93rd minute to seal 3-1 win and semi-final spot.

TPB Verdict

Enzo Maresca make 11 changes from Everton game, wey affect performance. Chelsea slow for first half, Cardiff dey create chance from their build-up play too. Chelsea attacking mainly come from Cardiff mistake, like first goal wey Dylan Lawlor bad pass reach Facundo Buonanotte, wey set Garnacho for goal.

Second half, Chelsea start better but reduce intensity again, allow Cardiff score equalizer. Quality from Neto and Garnacho eventually show, help Chelsea move semi-final, while Cardiff still fit proud of performance.

Highlights

Alejandro Garnacho 0-1 Chelsea (57th min): Buonanotte intercept Lawlor pass, play ball to Garnacho, Garnacho finish with left foot into bottom right corner.

David Turnbull 1-1 (75th min): Perry Ng cross find Turnbull, header fly top-right corner.

Pedro Neto 1-2 Chelsea (82nd min): Pass inside box to Andrey Santos, layoff to Neto, Neto shoot first-time, slight deflection, ball enter far corner.

Garnacho 1-3 Chelsea (93rd min): Pedro flick ball for Garnacho, Garnacho bring down, curl right-foot shot around keeper into far corner.

Man of the Match – Moises Caicedo

One of Maresca 11 changes. Caicedo control midfield, create four chances, nine defensive actions. Stand above everybody on pitch despite Chelsea struggle.

Match Stats

Possession: Cardiff 46%-54% Chelsea
Shots: Cardiff 10-20 Chelsea
Shots on target: Cardiff 4-7 Chelsea
Corners: Cardiff 2-8 Chelsea
Fouls: Cardiff 5-9 Chelsea

Wetin Dey Next?

Cardiff go continue League One fight away to Lincoln City Saturday. Chelsea go Premier League away to Newcastle, then back home face Aston Villa.