TEN MAN CITY HOLD ON FOR POINT
- ccfcinsider
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Cardiff have picked up their first point of 2025 with a 1-1 draw against Coventry City this afternoon.
Cardiff took a swift lead through Alex Robertson. A trademark burst down the left hand side from Callum O'Dowda, followed by a cross onto the head of Cian Ashford who found Robertson who tapped in from close range.
The rest of the first half lacked any real quality. City had a chance to double their lead as Ashford knocked the ball past an on-rushing Oliver Dovin, however couldn't punish the Coventry goalkeeper.
It would be the dream start to the second half for the visitors as Tatsuhiro Sakamoto netted from close range after a mix up at the back from City.
Coventry would get another boost a minute later as Callum Robinson was sent off for an elbow on Bobby Thomas.
Sky Blues would control possession for the majority of the game, but conceded two golden chances that City just couldn't finish. First, Ollie Tanner raced through on goal one-on-one but was denied by Dovin. Yakou Meite then had an effort go whiskers wide.
The points would be shared between the two sides.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (8) - Made quite a few big saves to earn City the point. Distribution was varied, some excellent stuff but some wayward kicks.
Andy Rinomhota (8) - The dog down the right hand side. Kept his side relatively quiet, won loads of his battles.
Dimitrios Goutas (8) - Had Simms' number throughout the game. Made key blocks and was dominant in air.
Jesper Daland (5) - Doesn't cover himself in glory for the goal. Was pretty solid leading to the goal, but outmuscled to easily and cost us the three points in the end.
Callum O'Dowda (7) - Makes the first goal with one of those trademark runs from deep. Had mixed success against Sakamoto.
Manolis Siopis (8) MOTM - Has been excellent for weeks, but took it to another level this afternoon. Energy unmatched, pressed and dragged the side up the pitch.
Calum Chambers (8) - Like a prime Sergio Busquetes. Played some brilliant threaded balls to the wingers and was strong in his battles.
Cian Ashford (7) - Plays a crucial role in the goal, too often you see players blaze it over from that range, but Ashford does well to stay composed. Showed energy again and unlucky not to score.
Alex Robertson (7.5) - Right place, right time. Dictated things well when City had eleven men. Quietened down when Cardiff went down to ten.
Chris Willock (6.5) - Started off quite lively and showed his tricky feet, but didn't do anything noteworthy. Was quiet in the second half.
Callum Robinson (5) - Fed off scraps in the first half, felt he should've played in Chambers just before the half-time whistle. Red card ultimately cost Cardiff any chance of winning.
Subs:
Perry Ng (7) - Solid when he came on. Nice to see Ng return from injury.
Ollie Tanner (6.5) - Added something when he came on and dragged City up the pitch. Probably had City's biggest chance of the second half.
Yakou Meite (7.5) - A hungry Yakou Meite is always dangerous, and that's what he was today. Tenacious and won his aerial battles. Great ball to find Tanner and went close himself.
Joe Ralls (N/A) - Trademark Joe Ralls challenge was a joy to watch.
Joel Bagan (N/A)
Summary:
A decent point given the circumstances. Should've put the game in the first half, though.
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