Player Ratings – Cardiff City 2, Bournemouth 0

Neil Etheridge

http://gty.im/1092889984

Magnificent save from Surman, tipping a dipping curling shot onto the bar at full stretch. The ‘keeper and his defence thoroughly deserved their clean sheet. The back five were magnificent 8

Lee Peltier

http://gty.im/1015298576

The back four looked balanced. ‘Pelts’ is a solid right-back and, perhaps even more importantly, allows Manga to play at centre-back. Peltier is a natural full-back and City should stick with him 7

Bruno Ecuele Manga

http://gty.im/1092914976

Warnock described his challenge at Arsenal which conceded a penalty as ‘amateurish’. He was hugely professional v Bournemouth, working with Bamba to lock the centre of Cardiff’s defence up tight 7

Sol Bamba (capt)

http://gty.im/1092914556

Given a stern warning by referee Moss when he fouled for a fifth time, having already been booked. Good work by the official. Bamba was a strong, influential defender and a leader. Blocked so many shots and crosses 8

Joe Bennett

http://gty.im/1092925260

A left-back with Premier quality. Defensively sound and loves to go forward when the time is right. Cardiff must surely stick with the same back five for next Saturday’s crucial clash with Southampton 7

Callum Paterson

http://gty.im/1092972614

A crucial player for the Bluebirds. Has an ability to play effectively in almost any position. Willing to put in the hard yards and get involved in the dirty areas all over the pitch. Outstanding 8

Aron Gunnarsson

http://gty.im/1092972244

Played a key role in the big blue wall. City stayed solid, allowed Bournemouth the majority of possession and closed their visitors down. Gunnar was instrumental in that system and quick breaks put the Cherries under pressure 7

Joe Ralls

http://gty.im/1015310138

All-action midfield player. Took time to settle into the Premier League, but is now looking the part. Competes for everything was part of a hugely effective midfield unit 7

Josh Murphy

http://gty.im/1092962304

Given the nod after Victor Camarasa failed a late fitness test. It was good to see Murphy and Decordova-Reid in the same starting line-up. City should give both a run 7

Man of the Match – Bobby Decordova-Reid

http://gty.im/1092914594

Celebrated his 26th birthday with two goals. Sent goalkeeper Boruc wrong way at a penalty. The Cardiff forward sprinted to the home dug-out and held up a T-shirt featuring Emiliano Sala’s face up to the crowd as his team-mates gathered round. Added his second 13 seconds into the second half with a clinical finish 8

Oumar Niasse

http://gty.im/1092948522

Great outlet for the hosts and a willing workhorse when it comes to closing down opposing strikers. He has made such a difference for Cardiff with his power and pace. A threat. Outstanding 7

Substitutes

Kenneth Zohore

for Niasse 83

Alex Smithies (gk)

Leandro Bacuna

for Decordova-Reid 86

Greg Cunningham

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing

Rhys Healey

Junior Hoilett

for Murphy 69

Bournemouth: Boruc, Clyne, S Cook, Aké, A Smith, Stanislas (Mousset 61), Gosling (Lerma 69), Surman, Fraser, King, Solanke (Ibe 61). Subs not used: Daniels, Rico, Begovic, Mepham.

Referee: Jonathan Moss

Attendance: 31,939.

 

Images courtesy of Matthew J I Wood Design | @matthewjiwood

Website design by Avenue Creative

All rights reserved. Copyright Roathboy 2022.