his fantastic goal at the end of the first half gave Cardiff City the lead, as he beat two defenders and curled home. Watford’s best attempt saw Ismael Kone miss the post, but Cardiff had some nervous moments in the second half. Finally, Josh Bowler’s goal helped Cardiff City end their run of defeat.
This victory is very important to Cardiff and their manager, Erol Bulut, who has been pushing the Bluebirds to be active in the transfer window after a difficult period.
The Bluebirds came into this match in terrible shape, having dropped their previous three games and giving up ten goals.
During the last few days of the transfer window, Cardiff made four additions to their roster, including Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, who was back in action after a three-month injury layoff.
Valerien Ismael, the manager of Watford, made just one change to the team that drew with Sheffield Wednesday in the middle of the week as the Hornets attempt to begin a run that could see them close in on the play-off spots.
Despite having four draws and one victory in their previous five league games, Watford was hoping to maintain their strong play at home against an inexperienced Cardiff team.
But as the hosts lacked inspiration, the Bluebirds had the better of a first half of few opportunities, with Bowler missing the mark and Rubin Colwill missing the mark.
Yaser Asprilla had Watford’s best chance of the first half, but his close-range attempt was delayed, allowing Cardiff goalkeeper Jak Alnwick to clear the ball.
Although Alnwick made a great save to deny Ryan Andrews’ shot following a pinpoint pass from Matheus Martins to find him in space, the hosts were never able to find a rhythm.
Just before the half, Bowler punished them with a wonderful strike that soared past Watford goalkeeper Ben Hamer after he cut inside, beat two defenders, and bent the ball into the top corner of the net.
The hosts, who had scored in their previous 13 home games across all competitions, found it difficult to settle into a rhythm as Cardiff exerted more pressure early in the half. Perry Ng’s freekick curled just wide, and Emmanouil Siopis scuffed a shot that Hamer easily saved.
On minute57, Watford had a chance when Dimitrios Goutas headed over a free kick from Ryan Wintle, but Kone’s deflected effort struck the outside of the post after Jamal Lewis’ cross found him in space.
Cardiff did a good job of limiting the hosts’ opportunities, but Watford persisted in their attempts to equalize, and Wesley Hoedt’s effort narrowly missed as they kept Cardiff at bay.
As the seconds passed and Cardiff’s nerves mounted, it seemed inevitable that the Hornets would have a big chance. And sure enough, Emmanuel Dennis had a huge chance after a defensive blunder, but he smashed it over the crossbar as the Bluebirds rallied.
Valerien Ismael, the Watford manager, stated to BBC Radio Three Counties:
“We had to win that game, especially if we wanted to continue competing for the promotion.
“It is annoying; we are not happy with the outcome or the first half’s performance.
“Since safety was more important, we began the game without a spark. It was difficult to watch.
“We don’t want to blame the schedule, but it’s obvious that it might have played a part in Watford’s defeat. We required additional energy. You think we ought to win this game.”
Erol Bulut, manager of Cardiff City, stated to BBC Radio Wales Sport:
“We needed to score the second goal to win the game in the first twenty minutes of the second half, but we were unable to do so. As is typical, there was pressure in the final ten minutes of play.
“The new players can assist us more in the upcoming weeks, even though they have only trained with the team for two days.
“The few days off we had allowed each of us to reflect on what needs to be done to improve our play and win games at home.
“So it was good for the team that they could come back fresh, we showed good team spirit and worked really hard, especially in the second half.”
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