Cardiff City have won back-to-back games in the Championship for the first time since February, after beating Coventry City 3-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bluebirds took a swift lead through Dimitrios Goutas as he met a pinpoint cross from Joe Ralls' corner. However, against the run of play, Coventry equalised through Matty Godden meaning the two sides went in level at half-time.
The second half started cagey as Coventry were arguably on top, but a nice cross from Ryan Wintle met by Karlan Grant put The Bluebirds back in front. Kion Etete added a late goal off the bench, and despite a late Matty Godden goal, The Bluebirds ran out winners at the CCS.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (6) - Didn't have much involvement in the game. Made an impressive save in the second half. Could argue he should've done better for Coventry's second as he did get a hand to the ball.
Perry Ng (8) MOTM - Personally thought Ng was magnificent. Dasilva is a very good player down Coventry's left-hand side but Ng controlled him well. Brilliant assist for Etete's goal. Linked up really well with Tanner down the right.
Dimitrios Goutas (8) - Very nice goal, right place and right time. Was defensively solid and is forming a strong partnership with Mark McGuinness. Adjusting well to the league and playing much better on the right side.
Mark McGuinness (7) - Very solid performance from Macca. Managed to control and keep Haji Wright quiet. Improving game by game under Bulut.
Jamilu Collins (7.5) - Against someone of Milan van Ewijk's quality JC was bound to struggle, however, JC kept him relatively quiet. Collins and Grant forming a good partnership down the left.
Manolis Siopis (8) - Goes about his game so quietly but he's so effective. His link-up play is game-changing. His ability to intercept the ball is one of his biggest assets as he stops many counterattacks every game.
Joe Ralls (6) - Was a quiet return for Rallsy. Didn't really have much involvement in the game. Good cross for Goutas' goal. Liam Kelly's good performance in Coventry's midfield obviously didn't help.
Ryan Wintle (7) - Despite the fact Wintle was playing as a 10 despite naturally being a holding midfield, I thought he held his own further forward. Brilliant ball for Grant's goal. Must admit I had my doubts about him further forward, but I felt he did a decent job.
Ollie Tanner (6.5) - When Tanner broke free from his man he was really good. However, the fact Liam Kelly and Jay Dasilva partnered up on him was difficult for Tanner. I feel he and Ng have a good partnership down the right hand side.
Karlan Grant (8) - He really deserved that goal. When up against Latibeaudiere, most of the time, Grant came out the winner. After early criticism, he's starting to prove the doubters wrong as he is improving every week.
Ike Ugbo (6) - Just wasn't Ugbo's night. Had a handful of good chances but unfortunately couldn't finish them. An off night for Ugbo.
Subs:
Yakou Meite (6) - Wasn't really involved when he was on. Was decent in the air and was unlucky to be slightly offside as he would've been one-on-one otherwise.
Kion Etete (7) - Made a real impact when he came on. Put himself about and was clinical. Making the most of his limited minutes at the moment.
Callum Robinson (N/A) - Unfortunately it felt his substitution was about 20-25 minutes too late. Wasn't really involved when he came on.
Ebou Adams (N/A) - Came on too late to justify a rating.
Summary
An exciting evening at the CCS as Cardiff confirmed back-to-back wins. Last season I'd argue we would've lost that game, so the improvement is evident.
The Bluebirds now travel to Sunderland on Sunday.
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