Cardiff v Brentford player ratings

Brentford suffered their first defeat under Dean Smith when they were beaten 3-2 at Cardiff. Here’s how we rated the Bees players.

David Button: 6
May feel he might have done better with Cardiff’s second and got a hand to Kenwyne Jones’ winner, but in mitigation the conditions were tough to keep goal in. He did make a very fine save to prevent Tony Watt making it 3-0 early in the second half.

Nico Yennaris: 6
His failure to clear led to Cardiff’s opening goal and he was beaten by Fabio in the build-up to the winner as he tired after an energetic display.

James Tarkowski: 6
Never going to be easy up against the strong Jones and tricky Watt but he coped admirably, even if the lack of support in midfield left the defence exposed at times in the first half.

Jack O’Connell: 6
Kept his place even though Harlee Dean had returned from suspension. Struggled with the pace of Watt at times, particularly when getting nutmegged as he set up the second goal.

Jake Bidwell: 7
Finally, after 186 games, the Brentford goal that the skipper so craved, and a good header too from Alan Judge’s corner. But his celebrations will be soured as he just couldn’t get to the ball ahead of Jones for the winner.

Toumani Diagouraga: 6
His only real contribution, prior to being replaced by Jota, was picking up his fourth yellow card of the season.

Konstantin Kerschbaumer: 6
Struggled to get into the game early on as Cardiff dominated and although he became more involved once Brentford settled, it was no surprise he was one of the players sacrificed when the Bees brought on more attacking players just after the hour mark.

Ryan Woods: 6
Sent a shot off target in the first half and found it hard to break through the Cardiff defence until the final 20 minutes, when the substitutes gave him greater support.

Alan Judge: 8
Not for the first time, Brentford’s most impressive performer. He had a hand in both goals – it was his corner that was headed in by Bidwell and his saved shot that was snapped up by Swift for the equaliser. Also produced an immaculate pass to release Vibe and had a free-kick saved in the second half.

John Swift: 7
Often involved, he possibly appeared to be tripped as Cardiff launched their counter-attack ahead of the second goal. Reacted well to Judge’s saved shot to net the equaliser – sadly to no avail.

Lasse Vibe: 5
A tough night for the lone striker, who was given chances but couldn’t take them. Headed a Bidwell cross wide and allowed Cardiff a tackle when he was sent clear by Judge. Once again came off late on for Philipp Hofmann.

Josh McEachran: 7
A very promising cameo, given how long the summer signing has been out injured, and Bees fans will hope he can build on this assured display on his long-awaited debut.

Jota: 6
Thrown on to spark some life into a misfiring Bees attack and linked up well but – barring one deflected effort wide – had few direct opportunities himself.