Cardiff City secured their first three points of the season at the Cardiff City Stadium this afternoon.
The Bluebirds dominated the ball in the first half but had nothing to show for it as they went in level at the break.
After a well-worked attack, Ugbo put The Bluebirds ahead a few minutes after the restart and The Bluebirds were in cruise control. However, after changes from the visitors a brilliant striker from Barry Bannan put The Owls level.
The game looked destined for a draw, before a hand ball by Will Vaulks meant The Bluebirds had a penalty seven minutes into added time, which was coolly dispatched by Ryan Wintle meaning for the first time this season, The Bluebirds were victorious.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (7) - Brilliant save in the second half to deny Josh Windass. Calm on the ball and all-round good performance.
Perry Ng (6) - Reluctance to play the half-risky ball let Ng down at times. Got up and down well but needs to play with more confidence as he definitely has the ability.
Dimitrios Goutas (7) - A much improved Goutas this afternoon. Comfortable on the ball and strong in the air we saw the best version of Dimitrios Goutas this afternoon; let's hope he can keep it up.
Mark McGuinness (6.5) - Probably should have scored in the first half. Similar to Goutas, good on the ball and strong in the air, lost his way a bit when Ashley Fletcher came on for Wednesday. Overall solid performance.
Jamilu Collins (6) - Mixed afternoon for JC I felt. Paterson won the majority of duels in the air but on the floor Collins was decent. Wasn't really involved going forward but no problems with Collins today.
Manolis Siopis (8) MOTM - He was everywhere. Ran the show in the midfield. Aggressive but it's controlled and he is what we've been crying out for since Gunnarsson left. Going to be so crucial this season. Shadowed the defense really well.
Aaron Ramsey (6.5) - Some tidy stuff and drove the team forward. Probably could've been more involved but can't complain as he didn't do anything wrong. Played the safe ball most of the time.
Joe Ralls (7.5) - Ralls carried on his great performances under Bulut. The change of role in the second half saw him more involved. Lovely flick to Meite that came off. Loving the new Ralls we're seeing under Bulut.
Ike Ugbo (7) - One chance, one goal. All you can ask from the Canadian international. A different role off the right for Ugbo today but he didn't shy away from the challenge. Three in four for Ugbo now and he shows no signs of slowing down!
Callum O'Dowda (5) - Just didn't click for O'Dowda today. Could have had one, maybe even two, as he fluffed his lines on a few occasions. Obviously got the assist for the goal which was good, but ultimately improvement is needed.
Yakou Meite (6) - Put himself about and that's all you can ask. Should've squared it to Ollie Tanner but he was evidently tired. A fully fit Meite could really hurt teams. Had a few half chances but nothing to shout about.
Subs:
Ollie Tanner (6.5) - Typical Ollie Tanner performance. A joy to watch. Put himself about and looked threatening every time he touched the ball. A start should be coming soon if he keeps this up.
Ryan Wintle (6.5) - The match winner. Didn't do much besides the goal, a decent corner or two but did put away his penalty very calmly. Best way to respond to getting dropped.
Karlan Grant (6) - Getting better each week. Put himself about and that's when he's the most effective. Looks rapid.
Rubin Colwill (N/A) - Didn't really get involved when he came on.
Kion Etete (N/A) - Same as Colwill.
Summary: The most Cardiff City way of winning a football match. A huge monkey off the team's back and The CCS was bouncing! Many positives to take and now a tough game in the league next time.
Before next weekend's fixture against Ipswich, The Bluebirds have a Carabao Cup game to worry about as they take on Birmingham at St. Andrews.
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