English-Ghanaian defender Josh Acheampong delivered a mature performance as Chelsea beat Cardiff City 3-1 at Cardiff City Stadium to book their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Starting at right-back in a rotated Blues side, the 19-year-old helped Enzo Maresca’s men ride out early pressure before second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and a stoppage-time clincher from Garnacho again turned the tie decisively in their favour after David Turnbull had briefly made it 1-1 for the hosts.​
Acheampong lasted 84 minutes before being replaced by Trevoh Chalobah, leaving the pitch with an impressive 7 rating that reflected his composure in and out of possession.
Defensively he stacked up strong numbers: two interceptions, two clearances and six ball recoveries, repeatedly stepping in front of Cardiff’s wingers and reading danger early. In the duels department he was just as competitive, winning five of nine ground duels and five of eight aerial contests, a key factor in limiting Cardiff’s threat from crosses and long diagonals.​
Beyond the raw data, Acheampong’s calm distribution and willingness to join attacks down the flank gave Chelsea balance on both sides, complementing the more explosive contributions of Neto and Garnacho further forward.
The victory sends the Blues into the last four in confident mood ahead of their next assignment, a Premier League clash away to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, where the young defender has now staked a serious claim for more first-team minutes.
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