Neil Etheridge
http://gty.im/1128505744
Cardiff’s player of the season so far. Kept his angles sharp, made some decent saves and commands his area. Distribution remains a part of his game to work on, but he has worked hard on that 8
Lee Peltier
http://gty.im/1096565900
A sound, solid defender who put his body on the line blocking shots. City’s back four looks far more balanced right now. That is no way a dig at Morrison, who is a leader and committed defender, but defenders are playing in their more natural roles 8
Man of the Match – Bruno Ecuele Manga
http://gty.im/1096565880
Mr Cool in the heart of battle. Has formed a tight bond with Bamba at the heart of defence. The loss of Morrison after his appendicitis scare could have proved costly, but Manga has moved from right-back to his more natural position in the centre and impressed 8
Sol Bamba (capt)
http://gty.im/1096579818
Popped up with a gem of a goal. In the right place to fire home after Ralls’ corner was flicked on by Paterson. Big Sol was immense at the back when Saints threw themselves forward in the later stages, although he seemed to be pulled out of position when Saints equalised 8
Joe Bennett
http://gty.im/1096566306
Solid defender who is also a useful outlet with decisive running down the left. Bennett rarely looked rushed, inevitably composed, although he might have done better when Southampton scored 7
Aron Gunnarsson
http://gty.im/1128505817
Went off just after the hour with Bacuna taking over. ‘Gunnar’ was effective through the middle, but may have picked up a knock. Bacuna added new beef and power alongside Arter. Impressive 7
Callum Paterson
http://gty.im/1096526242
His ability in the air is a big asset for City. The Scot disrupted things at a Cardiff corner taken by Ralls, flicked the ball on and Bamba scored. Adaptable, effective and influential 8
Harry Arter
http://gty.im/1096532116
Great to see the hugely influential battler return in midfield. Missed the game at parent club Bournemouth because of a clause in the loan agreement. Looked refreshed, aggressive and full of running 8
Joe Ralls
http://gty.im/1096567024
Given the nod ahead of fit-again Camarasa in midfield. Ralls is back to his confident best, pressing, challenges going, probing and running. He has learned a lot in his first Premier season 7
Bobby Decordova-Reid
http://gty.im/1091026082
A two-goal hero against Bournemouth, but struggled to regain that form here. Slotted in just behind Niasse before making way for Zohore just after the hour 7
Oumar Niasse
http://gty.im/1096540286
Led the attack well, loves to run in behind defenders. The Niasse/Reid link struggled to find the right rhythm, but the arrival of Zohore to partner the former Everton man gave City a two-man system and they played higher up the pitch 8
Subs
Kenneth Zohore
For Decordova-Reid 62 mins
Josh Murphy
Not used
Alex Smithies (gk)
Not used
Leandro Bacuna
for Gunnarsson 62 mins
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Not used
Victor Camarasa
for Niasse 83 mins
Junior Hoilett
Not used
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 31,438