By Gareth James
Nat Phillips has been praised by Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut as the rock on which the Bluebirds have built firmer foundations.
Phillips was at the centre of Cardiff’s defensive effort as they won the Severnside derby 1-0 away at Bristol City.
The Liverpool loanee has made seven appearances for Cardiff since he moved from Celtic and in the last three of those matches his team have only conceded one goal.
That compares with eight goals conceded in the previous three matches.
Bulut said: “Nat is a big add to us, he gives confidence in the defence and organises the defence. Other players next to him are acting on it and that’s important.
“He has played for Liverpool and Celtic, big teams, and he knows when you get pressure how to stay calm.
“He gives this to the other players too and with (goalkeeper) Ethan (Horvath) there now we can also play better from the back.”
The win at Ashton Gate means Cardiff have done the double over Bristol City this season, following a 2-0 home victory over the Robins back in October.
Nat Phillips colossal for Cardiff today.
Erol Bulut: “Nat is a big add to us. He has played for Liverpool and Celtic, big teams, and he knows when you get pressure how to stay calm.” pic.twitter.com/ajASb2puP3
— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) March 2, 2024
Back-to-back Championship wins for the first time since October means Cardiff remain nine points clear of the relegation zone – a margin that would have been trimmed without their upturn since the clubs at the bottom have started to pick up points.
Cardiff are also nine points adrift of the play-offs.
Bulut added: “We started good and we finished good. A goal from a set-piece again – I know we are one of the best teams from a set-piece.
“It was a game where whoever scored the first goal would win.
“We had some really bad moments [this season]. We had lost many games in a row. But we never stopped staying together.
“Together we can make great things, as we saw today and in the last game. I think we will push for many more wins.”
Perry Ng’s 66th-minute header gave Cardiff back-to-back victories after going four without a win and took them above Bristol City in the Championship table.
Cardiff lived up to the title of Championship set-piece kings by scoring a league-leading 17th goal from such a situation this season.
Cardiff boss Erol Bulut praises influence of Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips https://t.co/uC3FxdmUCL
— Football Mad ⭐️ (@FootballMadUK) March 2, 2024
Bristol had some good moments but they were often repelled by the head of Phillips as the Liverpool central defender showed what an outstanding acquisition he has been since arriving on loan in January.
Bulut is hopeful forwards Karlan Grant and Kion Etete will return to fitness quickly after injury concerns.
Grant missed the game with a calf problem picked up during last weekend’s win over Stoke City.
Etete was substituted early in the second half after going down clutching his groin.
“I think with the abductor, he (Etete) has stiffness,” added Bulut.
“That’s why we changed him. I think it’s nothing serious.”
Cardiff host Huddersfield Town on Wednesday, and Bulut is hopeful on-loan West Brom forward Grant will be available.
Erol Bulut is hopeful Cardiff City forwards Karlan Grant and Kion Etete will quickly return to action despite injury concerns.
The #Bluebirds return to action when they host Huddersfield Town next Wednesday, and Bulut is hopeful both will be available ⚽️#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/iYq2jhmYbP
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) March 2, 2024
“From the last game he had a problem with his calf, but from what I know from him and the medical staff, he can be with us on Wednesday,” he said.
Bristol City were booed off the pitch at the end by their fans but manager Liam Manning said: “I’ve got thick skin.
“Of course, I don’t want to hear [boos]. I want the team to perform and succeed, but I’ve had to fight and scrap in my career to get where I am.
“I’ll take it on the chin, be calm and get ready to go again on Tuesday.
“We need people to step up and take responsibility in high-pressure moments and deliver.
“On the goal, set-pieces are probably Cardiff’s biggest threat – and most of their goals come from first contacts as well – and it’s hugely annoying.
“I didn’t think there was a huge amount of quality from both sides, so you’ve got to make sure you don’t lose and it finishes 0-0.”
