BLUEBIRDS THROUGH TO THE ROUND OF SIXTEEN
- ccfcinsider
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Cardiff City are through to the Round of Sixteen of the FA Cup, after beating Stoke City on penalties.
Cardiff took an early lead through Rubin Colwill. The midfielder found room on the edge of the box and beat Jack Bonham to give City the lead in the tie.
The Bluebirds soon doubled their lead through Yousef Salech. Joel Bagan launched a ball forward, and Salech made the most of a mix up at the back for The Potters, as he snuck in and hit into an empty net.
Stoke were handed a life line just before half-time, as Lewis Koumas hit a powerful effort past Ethan Horvath. Koumas netted a second straight after half-time, with an effort from close range.
The hosts were soon in the lead through Lewis Baker. Jesper Daland conceded a penalty, and Baker made no mistake.
Colwill netted his second of the game to equal the game, an effort from the edge of the box made through an army of Stoke players and beat Bonham.
The game was taken to penalties. Both sides scored their first penalties and missed their second. Horvath saved The Potters' third which was enough as City scored their remaining three penalties, and advanced through to the next round.
Player Ratings:
Ethan Horvath (7) - Came up trumps in the end. Collected a few crosses well. Could perhaps do better on one or two of the goals.
Andy Rinomhota (7) - Had mixed spells against Koumas. Caught out for the first, but other than that held his own and excelled as usual out of possession.
Will Fish (7) - Another who had mixed success, but on a whole had a solid game. A couple of shaky moments, but made up for them with blocks at the back/
Joel Bagan (8.5) - When moved back to centre-back was excellent. Lost count how many game saving blocks he made. Brilliant ball for Salech's goal.
Luey Giles (6) - In possession had a decent showing, struggled slightly against Vidigal, but on a whole held his own.
Aaron Ramsey (6.5) - Refreshing to see Rambo back out there. Had an effect on the team as we were naturally more front-footed. A couple of nice pieces.
Sivert Mannsverk (6.5) - Dictated play well in the first half. Passing range is impressive.
Rubin Colwill (9) MOTM - He just loves the cups. Two very well-taken goals, as well as a good penalty. Worked his socks off out of possession as well, and looked as bright as he did a few months ago.
Anwar El Ghazi (7.5) - Was a constant threat down the right, and obviously set up one. Could improve out of possession.
Chris Willock (6.5) - Started off fairly bright, and sprung back into life when O'Dowda came on. Some nice pieces. Well-taken penalty.
Yousef Salech (8) - A well-taken poacher's goal. Ran the line well, and was key in defensive set pieces. Unlucky on the penalty.
Subs:
Jesper Daland (3) - Not sure how much worse a ten minute cameo can go to be honest. City were winning before Daland came on, when he went off they'd conceded one and he'd just conceded a penalty. Then came off with an injury. Unfortunate afternoon for the Norwegian.
Calum Chambers (7) - Typical Chambers performance in midfield. Put himself about well. Nice penalty, as well.
Callum O'Dowda (7) - Third goal came from his drive from deep. Another impressive outing for City's number eleven.
Joe Ralls (7) - Added a bit of fight into the midfield, and had some decent chances, as well as making a handful. Penalty of the shootout, as well.
Will Alves (7) - Promising debut. Direct and wanted to take on his man, got in some great areas.
Summary:
Nice reaction to the Leeds game, and some brilliant individual performances. Onto a massive ten days ahead!
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