Cardiff City FA Cup Final Player Ratings

Peter Enckelman 5

Much talk centred on his mistake, but he failed to catch any crosses, while the punching was less than convincing. Generally a poor day for the Finn with wayward kicking also.



Tony Capaldi 5

Allowed crosses to easily and was targetted by Pompey. He doesn’t have the pace to let defenders run and must adapt his game to get tighter.



Kevin McNaughton 7.5

The tenascious Scot was excellent and nearly scored after a 60 yard run. So solid in defence but pulled up later in pain.



Glenn Loovens 7

Slipped early on but was strong and assured thereafter. Had a half chance to score but did his defensive work well and without fuss.



Roger Johnson 7

Another impressive performance as Johnson kept things tight at the back. Always a threat at set pieces, he was unfortunately the one marked by Sol Campbell each time!



Joe Ledley 7.5 M.O.M.

Reputation growing all the time, Ledley was the biggest creative threat and had the beating of Glen Johnson every time. Couldn’t get enough possession at times, but looked the most likely to produce something.



Stephen McPhail 5.5

The big pitch should suit him, but McPhail was unable to secure good possession as Pompey dominated midfield. He went missing at times and too often the ball went backwards.



Gavin Rae 6

Such a workaholic, Rae was the most available even if his use of the ball wasn’t great. Played an important part, but was outgunned in the engine room.



Peter Whittingham 5.5

Some early promise with a great run, and a superb diagonal pass. However, Whitts soon faded and couldn;t get back into the game.



Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 5.5

It wasn;t pretty to watch JFH trundling round, he had no joy from the Pompey defence but wasn’t helped by the poor service. Not the big occasion for the veteran.



Paul Parry 7

Always carried a threat and David James had to be alert to sweep up on several occasions. Looked every inch the natural striker as he ran across the line to good effect. Better possession for City would have seen Parry excel further.



Substitutes:


Aaron Ramsey 6.5

A couple of early slips but he looked every inch the Premiership player in waiting. So comfortable in possession, he worried Pompey and worked well to forge a late chance.


Steve Thompson 6

Redknapp went nuts when Thommo came on, hurriedly switching his defenders. Thommo was typically aggreessive, and did win some headers but the tired legs around him couldn’t take advantage.


Trevor Sinclair

Only a few minutes for Sinclair but he wasted one excellent chance to cross.