Southampton promotion hopes hit by Cardiff loss

During their recent league matches played at home, Cardiff City has emerged victorious in nine out of ten games against Southampton.

Southampton's chances of automatically moving up to a higher division were severely affected when they lost to Cardiff 2-1 despite initially leading in the game.

In the early half of the match, Southampton had complete control. However, their inability to convert their chances resulted in them only having a one-goal lead, which came from Joe Aribo's goal in the twelfth minute.

The Saints suffered the consequences of not converting several opportunities when substitute Famara Diedhiou evened the score from a short distance.

In the nick of time, young Cian Ashford secured the victory for Cardiff with a shot that ricocheted off another player and sailed into the net from a distance of 25 yards.

The team's loss has resulted in them being behind five points from the positions that would guarantee their promotion, and they only have three games left to play.

The Saints' leader, Russell Martin, labeled this match as the "most crucial game of the season" for Southampton. As the ex-Swansea coach came back to Wales, he emphasized the significance of this encounter.

Martin received a tough welcome from the Cardiff supporters, who were tired of seeing a manager who had won all of his previous games against their team.

Throughout the five games Martin managed against Cardiff, his teams had a total score of 14 points in comparison to Cardiff's 2 points. This included four victories against the Bluebirds in derby matches held in the southern part of Wales.

The head coach of the Saints team received a hostile welcome as he acknowledged the visiting supporters, with a group of people booing him and even switching on the sprinklers. It was a rather unpleasant return to Cardiff.

Martin had one less old teammate, midfielder Flynn Downes, as he couldn't play due to an injury. On the other hand, Will Smallbone was included in the Southampton squad for the game against Preston, making it the only alteration to the previous game's winning team.

The manager of Cardiff, Erol Bulut, has had to handle a lot of players being injured. He decided to switch up the team by making four alterations to the starting lineup. The new lineup included Ashford, a 19-year-old forward who was given his first opportunity to start in the game.

Southampton was responsible for trying to win the game and they showed from the beginning that they wanted to do so, with Stuart Armstrong hitting a powerful shot from far away that hit the post just seven minutes into the match.

Soon after being given a break, Southampton scored a goal just five minutes later. Ethan Horvath, the goalkeeper for Cardiff, was only able to knock away Adam Armstrong's shot, and Aribo was available to drive home the rebound.

The Saints had a great chance to increase their lead when Che Adams sprinted towards the goal, but Horvath stopped him. However, he couldn't do anything when Adam Armstrong headed the ball over the crossbar.

Horvath had a strong desire to live a fortunate life. During the game, Aribo's attempt was redirected and narrowly missed going into the goal. Adam Armstrong also missed his opportunity to score when he kicked the ball over the crossbar after Rubin Colwill made an error and sent him running towards the net.

The visitors were producing some remarkable opportunities, and Cardiff's defensive skills were insufficient.

However, Armstrong missed the goal again, then Horvath saved two shots from David Brooks, one from a distance of 15 yards and another one from very close after a defensive error.

The team in charge managed to produce some chances throughout the game, such as David Turnbull's header that went straight at Alex McCarthy or Ashford's evasive movement that led to a save.

However, the dominant Saints must have been extremely surprised that they were only winning 1-0 despite taking 12 shots during the first half, with six of them being on target.

After the halftime, they immediately went on the attack with Adams shooting towards the goal and Armstrong's close-range header impressively blocked by Horvath.

Opportunities persisted when Smallbone missed the target after a long and careful passing sequence, causing the visiting supporters to question why their team hadn't already secured a lead.

Southampton's inability to convert their chances was their downfall, as the unexpected turn of events occurred when Raheem Conte, who was playing his first game, crossed the ball which Yakou Meite then deflected, creating an opening for Diedhiou to score with ease.

The visitors were disappointed and Cardiff realized that they had an opportunity to win unexpectedly. Meite attempted a bold shot from a difficult angle and McCarthy managed to save it by tipping it over.

Once more, McCarthy was forced to stay vigilant and make a save from Diedhiou's header during the initial period of nine extra minutes added to the game.

As the clock ticked down, Ashford abruptly changed the course of events by shooting from 25 yards away. The ball hit something on the way, changing its direction, and managed to barely slip into the corner of the goal.

The Saints had a chance to tie the game, but Stuart Armstrong's attempt was prevented. Unfortunately, Armstrong got hurt in the process and had to be carried off on a stretcher, adding to the Saints' already unfortunate situation. Manager Martin confirmed that he anticipates Armstrong being unable to play for the rest of the season.

During an interview with BBC Radio Sport Wales, Erol Bulut, the manager of Cardiff City, made some comments.

There are instances where it's beneficial to not exert pressure or be in a disadvantageous position, as it allows the players to perform without constraints.

Before the game started, I instructed my team to focus solely on positive actions and not to worry about making mistakes. They were free to play their game without any hindrances, and I believe they executed it excellently.

I reckon that Cian Ashford will always remember that goal. However, today he performed outstandingly for the entire duration of the game. When playing against Southampton, he displayed exceptional skills.

There were six young players sitting on our bench, which leads me to believe that the club is headed in a positive direction. There is only room for improvement from here on out.

During his interview with BBC Sport Wales, Southampton manager Russell Martin shared his thoughts.

It's not alright to not win a game when we had many opportunities to do so.

We were supposed to be far ahead in the game. We showed some brilliant performance on the field. However, it's all for nothing since we were defeated. If you are not accurate in scoring goals, then you need to focus on protecting your own side of the field.

Today's match has put our chances of securing an automatic spot at risk, however, we must respond appropriately. We have three more matches to play and the opportunity to earn over 90 points.

"I anticipate a significant response from everyone. If it implies prolonging our season, then we need to prepare ourselves for that and accept it."

Game over, Cardiff City have won against Southampton with a score of 2-1.

The latter part of the game has concluded, with Cardiff City triumphing over Southampton by a score of 2-1.

James Bree (Southampton) made an infringement.

On the right sideline, Yakou Méïté from Cardiff City earns a free kick.

Stuart Armstrong had to leave the game due to injury, and unfortunately, Southampton had already used all of their substitutions.

The waiting time has passed. They are now prepared to proceed.

There was a match delay due to an injury sustained by Stuart Armstrong of Southampton.

Southampton's defense was vulnerable on the corner kick as Dimitrios Goutas was unable to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

The try was impeded. Stuart Armstrong of Southampton attempted to kick the ball with his right foot from the middle of the penalty area but was prevented. Ché Adams provided assistance.

Yes! Cardiff City has just scored its second goal against Southampton with a fantastic strike by Cian Ashford using his right foot from outside the box, and the ball beautifully nestled into the bottom left corner of the net. Luey Giles should also be credited for his assist in setting up that goal.

Samuel Edozie (Southampton) committed a foul.

Manolis Siopis (from Cardiff City) has received a free kick while in the defensive half.

Kamaldeen Sulemana, a player from Southampton, earns a chance to take a free kick on the right side of the field.

Cian Ashford (Cardiff City) committed a violation.

Joe Rothwell from Southampton has earned a free kick in the section of the pitch dedicated to attacking.

Joe Ralls (Cardiff City) committed a foul.

The attempt by Dimitrios Goutas from Cardiff City was blocked as he took a left footed shot from the center of the box.

Save made! Famara Diédhiou of Cardiff City aimed a header towards the middle of the box, but the goalkeeper was able to stop the ball from entering the goal. Joe Ralls provided the assist by crossing the ball over to Diédhiou.

Jan Bednarek from Southampton received a yellow card for committing a foul.

Jan Bednarek (Southampton) made a foul.