BLUEBIRDS EXIT CUP WITH VALIANT PERFORMANCE
- ccfcinsider
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Cardiff City exited the FA Cup in the Fifth Round after a 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa.
Ethan Horvath was called into action on several occasions in this one, but none as key as denying Ollie Watkins from close range twice in the first half. Marcus Rashford also came close, firing over from close range.
Rashford called Horvath into action in the second half. The forward hit a powerful swerving effort from range, Horvath parried his effort wide.
Cardiff's biggest chance came just after the hour mark. Perry Ng found space down the right and found Yousef Salech in the box, the forward was denied from close range by Emiliano Martinez.
Villa would make City pay as Marco Asensio soon gave the hosts the lead. The Spaniard was found by Rashford and hit a powerful strike beyond Horvath. Asensio soon added a second for the host and seal the tie.
Player Ratings:
Ethan Horvath (9) MOTM - Excellent. Kept City in that game for so long. Two key one-on-one save and a world-class save to deny Rashford. A couple of nice kicks as well.
Dylan Lawlor (8) - This is why fans have been asking for Lawlor to play for a while. Strong in his battles and made a few key interventions. A brilliant senior debut.
Dimitrios Goutas (7.5) - City needed his physicality, and he stepped up and really got involved. Perhaps a question mark over a goal or two.
Will Fish (8) - Loves a header. Keeps improving each week, another solid performance from the defender.
Perry Ng (8) - Gave it a real go against Rashford, granted he got skinned once or twice he held his own really well. Made City's best chance of the evening.
Rubin Colwill (8.5) - Looked like that was his level. Unfazed by the pace of the game, if anything it elevated his game. Shows the real potential he has. Looked after the ball so well and defended well.
Aaron Ramsey (8) - Played that sort of quarterback role very well. Played out of danger on several game and dictated things for City. Cardiff seemed to lose something when he went off.
Luey Giles (7) - Was forced to mix it with Leon Bailey (who was brilliant), and held his own and can be proud of his efforts.
Anwar El Ghazi (7) - Gave it a real go, as well. Got in some dangerous positions. Did his defensive duties well.
Chris Willock (7) - Took a while to grow into the game, but when he did, he did well. Grew into his defensive responsibilities and got in some decent positions.
Callum Robinson (6.5) - Through no fault of his own, not really involved. Won a few free-kicks to relieve pressure.
Subs:
Yousef Salech (7) - Had City's big chance and did the best he could. Held up the ball so well and looked comfortable at that level.
Joel Bagan (8) - Excellent block to deny Rashford. A couple of nice runs. A brilliant performance.
Alex Robertson (6.5) - Saw little of the action. Tidy on the ball as usual.
Cian Ashford (N/A)
Isaak Davies (N/A)
Summary:
A day that reminds you why you love the football club. A performance to be proud of and needs to be replicated in the league going forward. CTID.
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