An Alejandro Garnacho brace helped Enzo Maresca’s men win the Carabao Cup quarter-final, Cardiff City vs Chelsea 3-1 on Tuesday, December 16. The Royal Blues conceded first, but then got their act together to score thrice in the second half to march towards a victory.
It has been a topsy-turvy ride for Chelsea in the league so far, as they find themselves fourth in the Premier League table with 28 points from 16 matches. However, winning a domestic silverware is going to be great for Enzo Maresca’s side, as they have not done so since 2018.
Alejandro Garnacho Brace Underlined His Utility to the Side
The Alejandro Garnacho brace in the Cardiff City vs Chelsea match was his first for his new club. The 21-year-old Argentine, who had scored 26 goals in 144 matches for Manchester United before coming to Chelsea, has now scored four in 17 matches for his new club. It was the first match-winning performance that Garnacho has produced for Chelsea.
He had a turbulent time at Manchester United, ultimately falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim. As a result, his departure from the club was not an amicable one at all.
Chelsea already have Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto in their squad, both of whom can play on the left flank. Hence, it has been quite difficult for Garnacho to break into the starting XI. Most of the appearances he has made for Chelsea have been as a substitute. In the Cardiff City vs Chelsea cup game, too, Garnacho came off the bench to win the match for his side.
Garnacho’s speed and ability to expose space on the left side of the pitch is an asset for his club. The Argentine has good dribbling skills as well, and also has the ability to finish from the edge of the opposition penalty box.
Garnacho remains one of the most promising among the players of his age group plying their trade in England at the moment. He has to continue making an impact to prove that Manchester United’s loss has indeed been Chelsea’s gain.
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Garnacho Is Still Not Assured of a Place in the Starting XI
As mentioned already, with Gittens and Neto on the side, it is not easy for the Argentine to break into the Chelsea starting XI. However, he must make the opportunities that come to him count, just as he did against Cardiff City.
However, doing it against the big boys of the Premier League is going to be difficult. One of the reasons for his leaving United was the lack of game time he was getting at the club. That is quite understandable, as at this stage of his career, he should be yearning for more time on the pitch.
Chelsea vs Newcastle United is next in the Premier League, which is going to be a challenging fixture for both sides. The Royal Blues should attempt to finish the season in the top four of the Premier League table at least, given the spending they have done in the transfer market.
The Alejandro Garnacho brace gave a fresh lease of hope to Maresca’s side. The manager should know that he has another potent option in his attack in the form of the Argentine. Now, it remains to be seen whether Garnacho manages to consistently make his mark for Chelsea.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Colorsport
Recording Date: 16.12.2025
