The Bluebirds made it three wins on the bounce for the first time since February 2021 as they beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Bluebirds had a few half chances but didn't really threaten the Sunderland goal. The biggest chance of the half came for the hosts as Ba got in behind Jamil Collins, but, a goal-line clearance meant the sides went in all square at half-time.
Sunderland dominated the majority of the second half but Cardiff had a fair amount of chances. On 60 minutes, the ball fell loose for Ike Ugbo in the box but the striker fired over the bar. Next to be denied was Kion Etete, after some fine footwork to beat 3-4 men he was unlucky not to find the back of the net.
The deadlock was broken late on, as Mark McGuinness was in the right place at the right time to put Erol Bulut's men in front. It should have been two as Ollie Tanner fired over from 6 yards out when it looked easier to score than miss. Some late heroics from The Bluebirds' backline meant Bulut's men returned to South Wales with all three points.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (8) MOTM - A great performance to top off a great weak for Alnwick. Sunderland just couldn't find a way past The Bluebirds' shot-stopper as he made an impressive 7 saves. Not a bad day for him as a Newcastle supporter.
Perry Ng (7.5) - Struggled early on against Clarke, but definitely grew into the game. 7 tackles and 8 duels won tells the story of Ng's game, not particularly focused on going forward, it's clear the game plan was just to stop Clarke and he did that very well.
Dimitrios Goutas (8) - After a shaky start, Goutas is slowly becoming one of our most key and important players, not afraid to put his body where others won't, made 3 or 4 top draw blocks yesterday. His experienced head alongside McGuinness is working really well.
Mark McGuinness (8) - What a player he has become under Bulut. Admittedly didn't know much about his goal, but you have to be in those positions to score and he was. He and Goutas have come leaps and bounds since Leeds, it shows as they're keeping someone as good as Jonathan Panzo out of the team.
Jamilu Collins (8) - Running out of words to describe JC. Getting better even when I think he can't get any better. His ability to win the ball back is so impressive, even when you think he's beaten he somehow comes away with the ball. To come back from an ACL injury and to play at the standard he's at now is a testament to the type of character he is.
Manolis Siopis (6) - Was actually relatively quiet. The ball spent the majority of the game on the wings, meaning he didn't see much of the ball. Was decent defensively.
Ryan Wintle (7) - Great cross for the goal. Was quiet in spells but was busy in spells, didn't put a foot wrong. Personally think he's improving every game in a new role for him.
Joe Ralls (6) - Quiet game for Rallsy. Wasn't really involved in either end of the pitch.
Yakou Meite (6) - Was strong in the air, but failed really to ask questions of Sunderland's back line. Effort was there but ultimately things didn't fall for him.
Karlan Grant (6.5) - Looked like he could hurt Sunderland but a lack of end product let him down in the end. Looks electric when running at full pace. Hopefully, his injury isn't too serious as he's in good form at the moment.
Ike Ugbo (6) - A frustrating afternoon for Ugbo. Didn't get much of the ball and when he did Sunderland were sharp on him. Probably should've done better with his chance.
Subs:
Ollie Tanner (6) - Defensively he was good, but going forward he made the wrong decision on a few occasions which could've cost us. No denying he should've scored but felt he was rushing things at times. Nice ball to play through Wintle probably the highlight of his game.
Rubin Colwill (6.5) - Considering he was playing an unfamiliar role, I thought he put a good shift in. Won the ball back high on a few occasions but couldn't do much with it.
Kion Etete (6.5) - Improving every game at the moment. He worked hard and was unlucky not to find the net after some really nice footwork.
Ebou Adams (N/A) - Wasn't really involved when he came on.
Mahlon Romeo (N/A) - Same as Adams.
Summary
The definition of a smash-and-grab, but no complaints as it got us the three points. The Bluebirds now sit seventh in the Championship.
Cardiff now travel to Blackburn for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
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