Three things we learned as Chelsea substitutes rescue Carabao Cup win

Chelsea’s trip to Cardiff City Stadium produced a result that mattered far more than the performance. A 3–1 win sent Enzo Maresca’s side into the last four of the Carabao Cup, but the match exposed once again how heavily the Blues rely on their senior players to spark attacking rhythm. Garnacho and Pedro Neto, introduced from the bench, completely changed the trajectory of a game that had drifted worryingly away from Chelsea for long periods.

Maresca had spoken earlier in the week about the importance of rotation, but the wholesale changes he made — all eleven outfield starters different from the Everton victory — left Chelsea disjointed. The first half felt flat, slow, and repetitive, similar to September’s unconvincing win over Lincoln. Cardiff, confident on the ball and top of League One, displayed more cohesion than the visitors’ makeshift XI.

Despite the laboured display, the travelling supporters roared their appreciation for Maresca at full-time. They understood the stakes: progress was essential, even if the route there was far from smooth.

Chelsea’s attacking play carried little threat until half-time, when Garnacho and João Pedro were introduced. Soon after, Pedro Neto joined them, and the mood shifted instantly. Garnacho tested Cardiff early in the second half, while Moisés Caicedo — also brought on — helped restore structure in midfield.

The breakthrough arrived when Facundo Buonanotte’s clever movement and awareness allowed him to set up Garnacho for a composed finish. Cardiff responded deservedly through a remarkable header from David Turnbull, but the equaliser finally jolted Chelsea into urgency.

Neto restored the lead with a strike that deflected past the Cardiff goalkeeper, another example of his ability to conjure goals when the team desperately needs invention. Garnacho then sealed the win in stoppage time, darting free before passing the ball into the far corner with the calm of a player accustomed to decisive moments.

“They brought me on and I tried to help the team,” Garnacho said afterwards. “Me, Pedro and the rest of the players did that.”

Chelsea’s younger and fringe players struggled throughout the first half. The tempo lacked urgency, transitions were slow, and passes repeatedly broke down under minimal pressure. Cardiff’s possession control highlighted a contrast in confidence, with the hosts circulating the ball cleanly while Chelsea flickered in and out of rhythm.

Although featuring four teenagers explains part of the disjointedness, the gap between first-team regulars and those currently operating at squad depth level remains stark. Maresca trusts his system, but it requires fluency, speed and repetition — qualities difficult to produce from a side with so few minutes together.

One major positive arrived between the posts. Filip Jorgensen, starting his third Carabao Cup match of the season, delivered a composed, reliable performance. His sharp reaction save to deny Isaak Davies from a tight angle kept the game level early on, and unlike earlier outings against Wolves and Lincoln, he commanded his area with conviction.

Jorgensen held crosses cleanly, judged aerial balls well and made smart decisions when choosing to punch. Turnbull’s equaliser was unstoppable, leaving him blameless for the goal conceded. As Robert Sánchez’s understudy, chances are limited, but this was the first occasion Jorgensen looked totally settled in Chelsea colours.

The contrast between the first half and second half is becoming familiar. Maresca’s ideas rely on perfectly executed automatisms, and when those aren’t present, Chelsea’s play becomes hesitant. Although some argue that rotation is inevitable during a congested schedule, it’s worth questioning whether eleven changes simultaneously undermine the continuity the system demands.

In our view, the match underlined why Chelsea remain a work in progress. The first-choice XI increasingly looks capable of controlling matches, but squad depth still lacks rhythm and confidence. The semi-final berth is valuable, but the performance provides another reminder that Chelsea’s evolution will require patience, stability and smarter distribution of minutes.

Chelsea travel to St James’ Park this Saturday for a major Premier League test against Newcastle, where Maresca will restore his strongest side. After a night where depth struggled, the return of senior figures will be timely as Chelsea look to keep momentum through the festive period.

👉 Chelsea fans — which player should start more often?