Cardiff City 2-1 Southampton FC: Daily Echo player ratings

Saints took an early lead through Joe Aribo and should have pulled clear before they were overhauled by a tremendous fightback from the Bluebirds.

Che Adams, Adam Armstrong and David Brooks were made to pay for their missed chances when Famara Diedhiou side-footed home an equaliser.

Teenager Cian Ashford, 19, struck a 96th-minute winner on his first Championship start to deal Russell Martin's side a major automatic promotion blow. 

Here is how we rated every Southampton player's performance...

Alex McCarthy - 6.

Dealt with some early shots and crosses. Looked better on the ball than he did against Preston. Little he could do for the Bluebirds' first. Beaten by a deflection for Cardiff’s winner.

Kyle Walker-Peters - 5.

Played a good ball to Stuart Armstrong before the Scot hit the post. Caught in behind as Cardiff hurt Saints in the wide areas.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 6.

Kept his spot ahead of Jack Stephens. Part of a defence that looked susceptible to counterattacks. Blocked on the line during a scramble.

Jan Bednarek - 6.

Completed 95 of 100 passes. Made a good tackle in the box from a Cardiff counter. Booked after being beaten by Rubin Colwill. Ashford’s winner deflected off him before beating McCarthy.

Ryan Manning - 6.

Battled against Ashford before being withdrawn at halftime after suffering a knock. Had found Joe Aribo in the box - the Nigerian's effort was turned behind for a corner.

Will Smallbone - 6.

Played in the number six role in Flynn Downes' absence. Shot off target having been teed up by Adam Armstrong. Brought off by Martin as Southampton looked for a winner.

Joe Aribo - 6.

Gave Saints an early lead when his effort bounced in. Denied a second soon after by a good block. Only attempted 27 passes. Replaced after Cardiff's first goal.

Joe Aribo scored his fourth Championship goal of the season. (Image: PA)

Stuart Armstrong - 7.

Hit the post inside the first three minutes. Should have had an assist when he played Che Adams through but the Scot spurned the chance. Did not put in a tackle to prevent Ashford's winner. Forced off on a stretcher in additional time.

David Brooks - 6.

An early threat as Saints peppered Cardiff’s goal. Should have doubled the lead when he rounded Ethan Horvath but delayed too long. Eventually withdrawn after his threat fizzled out.

Adam Armstrong - 6.

His well-hit effort was saved back out to Aribo for the opener. Lashed over after a poor pass back from Colwill. Denied a header by a great Horvath save.

Adam Armstrong should have given Saints a two-goal lead (Image: PA)

Che Adams - 6.

Failed to take a succession of chances which ultimately cost Southampton the points in South Wales. Handed the captain's armband after A Armstrong was withdrawn. 

Substitutes

James Bree - 6.

Came on to replace Manning at the break. Sent some wild crosses off the pitch. The best out of the poor substitutes.

Joe Rothwell - 5.

Came on for Aribo just after Cardiff equalised through Famara Diedhiou. Only managed 19 touches. Failed to make an impact.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 5.

Booked within 30 seconds of entering play before committing another foul. Had a scary incident when he appeared to be knocked unconscious but finished the game.

Sam Edozie - 5.

The second in a triple change made to turn the game around. Only registered six touches. Lost all of his duels.

Ryan Fraser - 5.

Did not offer the same impact as we have seen regularly this season. Played in midfield rather than out wide.