It was a tough day at the office for Cardiff City, as they started 2019 with a 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, but how did the players rate?
Neil Etheridge
Cardiff’s Premier League future won’t be decided against Spurs. The Bluebirds were outclassed and Etheridge could do nothing to deny the visitors. 6
Bruno Manga
Man of the match. Did anybody deserve it? Probably not, but Manga did an okay job. Spurs ran riot on both flanks. Manga stuck to his task, but Cardiff were outplayed in every area. 6
Sean Morrison (capt)
An evening where lessons were learned. Spurs are a class apart – and played better than Manchester United in their big win at the CCS. The Bluebirds, thoughtcrimes, have far bigger battles to come. 5
Sol Bamba
A night when every Cardiff player had to watch and learn. There are far bigger battles to come for City. The lesson learned here was harsh, but could be invaluable. 5
Greg Cunningham
Winning at Leicester was massive – particularly after age draw at Palace. Defeat against Spurs does jot inflict massive damage. Cunningham struggled, but he will learn from this experience. 5
Aron Gunnarsson
City simply could not cope with Spurs slick passing and quick passing Spurs. Gunnar gave it everything, but he has to put this behind him and ensure the next game is a difference experience. 5
Harry Arter
Pressing the back line on a solo mission approaching the 90th minute summed Arter up perfectly. A little rash at times, but never gave up. 6
Victor Camarasa
Quality midfield player, but right now not in Spurs’ class. The Bluebirds battled, but the visitors dominated. Went off after picking up an injury, but first impressions suggest it’s not to bad. The Spanish player maker is a crucial part of this team. 6
Callum Paterson
Spent 90 minutes battling – and struggling. Played wide on the right and struggled. This was a tough outing for the Scot. 5
Bobby Decordova-Reid
The former Bristol City player should be starting far more often – in a central role behind the main striker. Loves being the main man in attack, but against a quality Spurs team it was never going to work. 5
Josh Murphy
Remains City’s most potent forward. He is not far off being a star. There are so many signs of promise and I would love him to step up to the next level. 6
Subs: Hoilett (for Murphy, 46); Ralls (for Camarasa, 59); Mendez-Laing (for Reid, 72). Subs not used: Smithies, Peltier, Bennett, Madine.