Mixed Cardiff City ratings v Southampton as standout player clear in epic cup battle

Here is how the Bluebirds rated in the 5-3 Carabao Cup defeat by Southampton

Jak Alnwick 6

Rushed off his line to clear dangerous balls over the top. Couldn't do a whole lot about any of the goals.

Ronan Kpakio 6

Looked pretty solid in defence against a really tricky attack and they went a lot down his side. Was OK going forward when he gained some confidence, too.

Dimitrios Goutas 5

Cardiff needed his experience back there, given he was flanked by young defenders. Solid enough but perhaps spun a little easily by Cameron Archer.

REPORT: Saints score twice in injury time to overcome Bluebirds in eight-goal cup thriller

Malachi Fagan-Walcott 6

Another who can't really be blamed for much that went wrong and looked relatively assured, given Saints' dominance and constant attacks. Excellent in the air second half.

Joel Bagan 7

That loan last year has done him a world of good. Had a decent pre-season and is very dependable, rarely lets you down. Pick of the lot at the back.

Andy Rinomhota 6

Put in the middle to do a job and it was a tough one against a quick-passing team and with inexperience around him, but stuck at it well.

Adeteye Gbadehan 4

Looked a little bit taken aback by the jump in standard and pace from the under-21s. Struggled to keep up. He'll learn from that.

Raheem Conte 6

A little too anonymous early on. Couldn't get on the ball and caused his full-back no issues. After the break, though, it was his drilled cross which caused the own goal and he had more impact.

Rubin Colwill 8 (Star man)

Looked streets ahead of any of Cardiff's other attackers. Smacked in an absolute world-class shot from 30 yards. Helped set up the third, too. Should never be playing in this - should be starting Saturday.

Cian Ashford 6

A mixed bag. Showed some endeavour with promising runs, but also got shoved off the ball a little too easily. Had a huge one-on-one chance saved after running clean through. Improved later on.

Michael Reindorf 6

Has enjoyed a stellar start to his Cardiff career but was swallowed up by Saints' giant defence early on. But when Cardiff grew into it, he was more involved and looked better for it.

Subs

Alex Robertson (Gbadehan 46) 7 - Really needed him to shore up the midfield and he controlled things for Cardiff when he came on. netted his first City goal, too, and it was well taken. Another positive outing.

Cody Twose (Colwill 63) 6 - A debut outing for the youngster and he was almost the hero when he hit a piledriver just wide of the mark from 20 yards.

Isaac Jefferies (Kpakio 78) NA - Didn't really impact the game a lot after coming on.