The Bluebirds bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the Fifth Round stage despite a valiant display against Aston Villa.
Omer Riza handed a Bluebirds debut to Dylan Lawlor at Villa Park, with our U21 centre back lining up alongside fellow Academy man Luey Giles in defence. Aaron Ramsey wore the armband for City, whilst Tanatswa Nyakuhwa was named on the bench for his first senior involvement.
In front of almost 6,000 travelling City fans, our UEFA Champions League hosts had the first real sight of goal. Marcus Rashford took aim with a free kick from distance, which was comfortably held by Ethan Horvath in between the Bluebirds’ sticks.
The US international was called into action again after 17 minutes, denying Ollie Watkins with an important touch. The England striker tried to poke past Horvath from close range, but the American’s intervention sent the ball behind for a corner.
Despite Villa’s dominance in possession, the Bluebirds more than held their own in the opening half an hour, and even had appeals for a penalty. Ramsey’s lofted pass found ex-Villan Anwar El Ghazi, who was brought down by Ian Maatsen. However, the linesman shortly raised his flag against City’s number 20.
Leon Bailey drew a stinging save from Horvath not long afterwards, after Dimi Goutas initially turned away a clearance from former Real Madrid man, Marco Asensio. Bailey took aim and Horvath got two hands to the powerful strike to send it behind. Rashford then had the best chance of the opening half for Unai Emery’s man but, unmarked, sent an inviting low cross over the bar.
Just before the break, Perry Ng saw another penalty shout dismissed – he appeared to be caught by a home defender inside the box after getting a touch on the ball. At the other end, Horvath produced another reflex save, again denying Watkins, to send the two sides in level at the interval.
Yousef Salech replaced Callum Robinson at half time, with the Bluebirds soon back under pressure; Horvath was at full stretch to deny John McGinn’s low drive. The American was having an inspired display, again preventing a Villa goal by this time tipping away a fierce, deflected effort from Rashford.
The hosts continued to control possession, but City had chances on the break. Ng fired a cross towards Salech, who met the ball but Emi Martínez was able to save. Minutes later, it was Villa who took the lead. Rashford teed up PSG-loanee Asensio to fire home from inside the area.
Emery's side didn't sit back, and almost scored a second on the counter. Chris Willock looked to be in on goal but was denied by the speedy Andres Garcia. Villa flew forward, and a heroic block from Joel Bagan thwarted Rashford from close range.
Unfortunately for Omer Riza's side, Asensio netted his second of the game with ten minutes to play. His low effort from close range hit the back of the net to double the hosts' lead, leaving the valiant Bluebirds with a very tough task. Sadly, they were unable to find a way back.
The Bluebirds will now shift their focus immediately to league action, with high flying Burnley visiting CCS on Tuesday night.
FINAL SCORE: ASTON VILLA 2-0 CARDIFF CITY
Aston Villa: Martinez, Garcia, Konsa, Bogarde, Maatsen (Digne 82'), McGinn, Tielemans, Asensio (Ramsey 82'), Bailey, Rashford (Rogers 82'), Watkins (Jimoh-Aloba 82').
Subs not used: Zych, Olsen, Rowe, Kamara.
Cardiff City: Horvath, Ng, Lawlor (Davies 81'), Goutas, Fish, Giles (Bagan 64’), Ramsey (Robertson 65’), Colwill, El Ghazi, Willock (Ashford 81'), Robinson (Salech 46’).
Subs not used: Turner, O’Dowda, Mannsverk, Nyakuhwa.