Here is how each Cardiff City player rated in the 2-1 win over Derby County.
Alex Smithies 7
Not a lot to write home about, really. Could do nothing with the goal, that's for sure, otherwise rarely worked. Sharp to deny Louie Sibley just after the break
Leandro Bacuna 6
Was caught a little out of position at times but, in a roundabout way, it helped the City attack at times. He was spotted up front at one point!
Sean Morrison 6
A couple of stray passes here and there and a wild challenge to try to dispossess Louie Sibley for the Derby goal. Otherwise relatively composed.
Curtis Nelson 6
Drawn out of position for the first Derby goal. Decent in the air, although the Rams preferred to play on the ground anyway.
Joe Bennett 8
Added to the City attack on many occasions with galloping runs on the overlap and had an incredible second half at both ends of the pitch. A top outing from the left back.
Marlon Pack 7
When Derby enjoyed possession and territory for large periods, he was heard organising and leading, which was very much needed. Marshalled the midfield well in defence.
Joe Ralls 7
Kicked at Wayne Rooney's heels all night from a deeper-lying position, but still added guile to the Bluebirds' attack on occasion. Added another dimension having a playmaker deeper
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing 7
So many powerful drives with the ball at his feet, drove at the defence and put them on the back foot. A few mazy runs really threatened the goal, but just lacked that cutting edge.
Lee Tomlin 8 (star man)
Produced a couple of big opportunities in the first half, having danced through the defence. But was the assassin after he dispossessed Wayne Rooney and drove home the second. Stunning goal.
Junior Hoilett 6
Took his goal very well and had a great chance saved by Kelle Roos just before the break. Massively over-hit a few crosses, though, which is unlike him, but improved later on.
Robert Glatzel 6
Lost pretty much every header against the imposing Matt Clarke and struggled to really impact the game. Improved later on.
Subs
Will Vaulks (on for Tomlin 70) 6
Was brought on to protect the lead in the second half and did a solid job, as we have come to expect.
Danny Ward (on for Glatzel 78) 7
Did well when he came on, actually. Made a few good breaks and created a number of chances.
Brad Smith (on for Hoilett 90) NA
Not on long enough.
Callum Paterson (on for Pack 90) NA
Same as above.
