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Glen Williams

Fantastic Cardiff City player ratings as West Brom loanee shines and Ryan Allsop like a man possessed

Cardiff City players produced standout performances in their season-opening 1-0 win against Norwich City despite being down to 10 men.

Here's how the Bluebirds rated:

Ryan Allsop 9

Made one stunning save in the first half to deny a wicked Todd Cantwell shot. But in the second half he was like a man possessed. Claiming crosses, using his feet brilliantly. A seriously good debut.

Mahlon Romeo 8

Looked solid and assured, put in one bone cruncher on Dimitris Giannoulis early on which got the crowd on their feet. During the second half he put in a succession of top tackles, too. Really good.

Read more: 10-man Bluebirds produce statement victory thanks to Romaine Sawyers stunner

Perry Ng 6

Brought the ball out lovely from the back and was a calm presence under some Norwich pressure. Red card, so knocks his score down. Couldn't really argue with it.

Cedric Kipre 9 (star man)

Really impressive first outing. Stuck out a leg to stop an early Canaries attack and was top-notch with the ball at his feet. Flung his body and head in the way of crosses. Some debut again.

Jamilu Collins 9

Embarked on a number of exciting, mazy runs up the left flank and caused Norwich some real problems. Defensively had to scramble a few times but did very well, all in all.

Ryan Wintle 9

Was just everywhere, must have covered every blade of grass. Exuded confidence, too, zipping balls about like a quarter-back. Nothing less than what you would expect.

Andy Rinomhota 8

Cannot fault his effort, either. Used his body well at times but the ball just kept bouncing away from him early on. But during the second half they needed his legs and he was excellent.

Romaine Sawyers 8

Showed some neat touches and brought in the wingers really well. But his strike for the goal was something else, banged into the bottom corner from 25 yards. Beautiful.

Sheyi Ojo 8

Was a little erratic early on, losing the ball, but also had some fantastic runs through the middle and showed some skill. Encouraging signs.

Max Watters 7

Very quiet for the most part. The wingers put in a few decent crosses but he just wasn't in the right place at the right time. Did well enough, though.

Callum O'Dowda 8

Had a quieter start than Ojo on the other flank, but his link-up play with Collins was encouraging. Did excellently to skip past his marker and set up Sawyers for his.

SUBS

Joe Ralls (Sawyers 60) 7 - Just when the game was getting heated, he brought some cool-headedness. Made fouls when he needed to and kept the ball well, too.

Mark Harris (Watters 60) 7 - Ran his socks off at the end, just when Cardiff needed him to. Ball just didn't stick to him at the crucial moments, though.

Curtis Nelson (Ojo 74) 7 - Produced a crucial late header to stop a cross coming in. Also won a foul which basically ended the game, much to fans' relief.

Gavin Whyte (O'Dowda 81) NA - Nice to see him back out there, but did give City a fright or two with some poor passing.

Tom Sang (Rinomhota 81) NA - Same as above, just without the poor passing!

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