Cardiff City 3-5 Southampton: Carabao Cup player ratings

Two goals in added time from James Bree and Cameron Archer earned Saints their first win of the season as they secured triumph in Wales. 

Bree’s 30-yard screamer was the fourth time the Premier League side had gone ahead and then Archer’s second added an extra bit of security at the end of a superb match.

After watching the full 90 minutes back to analyse the performance, here is how we assessed each of the Saints players... 

Starters 

Cameron Archer netted twice in the second-half (Image: PA)

Joe Lumley - 5.

Conceded three goals despite only facing four shots on target and he should have dealt with the one he parried into Edwards for the own goal. Some decent footwork but will not be challenging Aaron Ramsdale's position if that deal is done. 

James Bree - 7.

Steady performance capped off with a brilliant half-volley to win the game in added time. Involved in some of the build-up for the team goals and popped up in some good areas but looked casual as he was beaten in a couple of dangerous moments defensively. Will play again in round three. 

Ronnie Edwards - 5.

Difficult night. Started well with zippy passing and strong tackling but struggled as it went on. Gave away the ball dangerously a couple of times. Not at fault for own goal and had some good moments winning duels and posting a 95 per cent pass accuracy. Moved into midfield after changes.

Nathan Wood - 6.

Had some good moments breaking forward with the ball and completed 118 out of 119 attempted passes, with a decent range. Booked for the longest shirt-pull of all time after he was caught out in possession on the counter. Probably put himself ahead of Edwards in Martin's eyes, although not polished.

Charlie Taylor - 6. 

Did not stand out a lot of the time but thought he had a solid night in possession and mostly against it. Was heavily involved in the one-touch passage for the Amo-Ameyaw's goal with the final pass, and the pre-assist for the fifth. Failed to stop the cross for the second Cardiff goal and the ball dropped over his head for the third.  

Lesley Ugochukwu - 7.

His presence grew as the first half wore on and we saw how good, and strong, the Frenchman was under pressure. Had one wild and wayward shot from range. Came off after 64 minutes after tiring and certainly made a case for minutes, but will not be starting in the league just yet. 

Mateus Fernandes - 8.

Started poorly in the opening few minutes with some loose passes but put that behind him to star, opening the scoring with a tidy finish. Involved in the second goal's play and assisted Archer for the third with a slight pass into the box. Always looks for a forward option and made a good case.  

Tyler Dibling - 9.

Machine. Involved in creating four of the five goals in some way. Directly assisted Fernandes with the second and Archer with the fifth goal. Should have closed down Rubin Colwill for Cardiff's first leveller, Martin would have felt. However, continues to impress with the ball - he might be ready... 

Sam Amo-Ameyaw - 7.

Another good night for the 18 year old winger. Great first-time finish for his first senior goal and regularly involved in the play, picking up the ball in a pinch and keeping possession with a backward pass to open space. Did a full 90 minutes and maintained threat throughout, linking with Bree for his goal.

Sam Edozie - 5.

Billed as a big night for Edozie to show why he can be valuable to this team after a difficult start to the season but we did not see it. Too slow on the ball, rarely beat his man and the crosses were inaccurate. Martin credited him with "moments" but we felt his performance was frustrating in a young team.

Cameron Archer - 8.

Zippy. Trademark Archer finishes for his first two Saints goals, powering in from inside the area and slotting low past the onrushing goalkeeper. Had not been too involved, apart from the second goal, up until the second-half finishes but judged on his goals. In the frame for a league start soon. 

Substitutes

Sam Amo-Ameyaw celebrates his first senior goal (Image: PA)

Armel Bella-Kotchap - 7.

Came on in the 65th minute after a surprise inclusion in the squad and looked the best defender of the night. Made one big tackle in the box after Edwards had given up possession and was generally a presence, conceding no goals while he was on the pitch. Good from his very first touches.

Adam Lallana - 8.

Came on in the 65th minute. Special night for the 36 year old former captain, making his second debut 10 years on from leaving. Was faultless, completing 100 per cent of his passes (30/30). Backheels, turns - and he was the most vocal player on the pitch too, another reason why Saints re-signed him. 

Romeo Akachukwu - 7.

Came on in the 86th minute. Had limited time to make an impact but still managed to show some of his qualities. Took one pass well on the turn to distribute. Won his only duel. 

Juan Larios - N/A.

Came on for the very final few seconds of the match so literally had nothing to do but a landmark moment for him, making his first appearance for the club in nearly two years. Well done.

Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh - N/A.

Less than a year on after joining Saints from Cork City, the 18 year old has made his senior debut. Came on with Larios and had not even a few seconds to enjoy it, though!