Blackburn Rovers are still the cup entertainers and Ewood Park witnessed another seven goals on Wednesday night.
In three rounds, Jon Dahl Tomasson's side's games have seen a total of 22 goals scored. This time, there was more breathing room in the seven-goal thriller, compared to Walsall in round one.
Cardiff City fought back twice but succumbed to second-half pressure with Rovers' youngsters stepping it up a gear. It was another valuable night, with several players catching the eye whilst others got important minutes into their legs.
The cup competitions, particularly the Carabao Cup, have been a great breading ground for Rovers. Tomasson has never made fewer than eight changes for a cup clash and yet Rovers have successfully navigated their way through six rounds under his reign.
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That is a nod to the quality of the academy, which has made up the bulk of Rovers' starting XIs, on top of those looking to force their way into the reckoning for Championship minutes. Tomasson has shown great respect for the cup competitions whilst making them a worthwhile exercise for Rovers, regardless of the result.
Under Tony Mowbray, the midweek knock-out games had become a chore. They only managed to find their way past their opposition seven times in 10 years, compared to their record under Tomasson. This year is the first time they have made it past round three in successive years since 2009/10 (a nod to Rich Sharpe, formerly of this parish, for the number crunching).
Perhaps the most exciting moment for the Rovers fans in attendance was a first glimpse at Sigurdsson at Ewood Park. The summer signing got off to the perfect start on his debut at Ipswich Town and got a further 58 minutes in the tank on Wednesday night.
The fact he was able to go again three days later is a positive sign as Tomasson manages his workload. The extra day recovery to Sunday gives him a great chance of being involved against Leicester City too.
It's early days but Sigurdsson looks to be a classy player, the summer signing Rovers fans hoped he would be. After two months out with a groin injury, you'd have forgiven a little rust, particularly in front of goal, but there has been no sign of it.
He took his goal at Ipswich with a level of composure that Rovers have lacked in front of goal. His predatory finish against Cardiff was an example of his subtle movement and a goal-scorer's instinct for where the ball might drop.
Whisper it quietly, because nobody wants to heap too much expectation on the 24-year-old, but they were the type of goals Ben Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack would've scored. The pair netted 21 goals in the Championship last year and Sigurdsson could make a dent in plugging that gap.
Whilst Tomasson wants to be patient, even he couldn't deny that Sigurdsson's start will get tongues wagging. His finishing could have a major say in Rovers' season.
"He's a clever footballer, he's been injured and wants to show how good he is," Tomasson said post-match. "We would like him to show that but we must look after him.
"He is not up to speed yet so I took him out after 45 minutes at Ipswich and today 58 minutes. That was his maximum so hopefully, he will be alright and we can build on that.
"He's scored two goals in his first two games, that's a good start. We have seen enough chances missed this season so that is extremely positive. On the other hand, we want to let him get settled and give him time.
"It's a new environment, a new culture. I think he's adapting well."
It was another goal-scoring night for Jake Garrett too, making it three in three in the Carabao Cup this season. Perhaps the most eye-catching action was his lovely ball to Andrew Moran which created Sigurdsson's tap-in.
The midfielder has been operating higher up the pitch this season and that level of creative passing is something we haven't seen before. If he continues to impact matches at the top end of the pitch, he'll be giving Tomasson a serious headache for the Championship.
Moran had a similarly pleasing night, with two goals and two assists. He took both with fantastic composure, latching on to a loose pass for the first and firing in from range for the second.
The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee has been impressive in his opening month at Rovers. He's clearly more comfortable playing in central positions and that's where Tomasson will get the best from him. He has the flexibility to start in wide areas though and drift in, which might be necessary given Ryan Hedges' long-term injury.
That spot on the right is wide open. Whether it be Moran or Dilan Markanday, also on the scoresheet, there is a vacancy for someone to fill.
It'll be interesting to see whether Tomasson operates the same rotation policy against Chelsea or whether the senior lads stay in. Some would say this team have earned it.
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