Cardiff City produced a stunning performance to thrash Watford 5-1 at Cardiff City Stadium and ease the pressure on Brian Barry-Murphy.
Jack Moylan was the star of the show, scoring twice in a devastating first-half display, while Ollie Tanner, Mattie Pollock's own goal and a late Callum Robinson strike completed the rout.
Player ratings from a crucial victory
Nathan Trott 8 - Made a few routine saves and commanded his box better. Produced two excellent stops in the second half to deny Mattie Pollock and Mamadou Doumbia, ensuring Watford could not build any momentum.
Perry Ng 7 - Actually made a couple of errors and was a little lax but shored up throughout the night. Linked up nicely with Ollie Tanner at times and contributed to a much-improved attacking display.
Gabriel Osho 7 - A solid evening for the defender as Cardiff kept Watford largely at arm's length during a dominant first half. Was part of a backline that looked much more assured as the Bluebirds swept their struggling opponents aside.
Dylan Lawlor 6 - Had a nervy start when Myron Boadu went through on goal. Almost scored with a thumping header before another devastating injury blow forced him off after just 29 minutes.
Midfield dominance and attacking threat
Joel Bagan 8 - A terrific performance from the left-back, who offered plenty going forward and delivered a dangerous inswinging corner that led to Cardiff's third goal. Produced a wonderful low cross after the break that almost brought a fourth for Jack Moylan.
Alex Robertson 8 - Set the tone in midfield with some lovely touches and intelligent distribution, including a superb corner that Dylan Lawlor almost converted. Helped Cardiff dictate the tempo as they tore Watford apart in the first half.
Joel Colwill 8 - A lively and assured display from the midfielder, who helped Cardiff dominate the middle of the park. Played his part in a cohesive team performance, with the Bluebirds' energy and movement proving far too much for Watford.
Cian Ashford 8 - Showed excellent anticipation to intercept a dreadful Watford pass before setting Cardiff on their way to the second goal with a quick counter-attack. Worked tirelessly and offered plenty of energy in an impressive display in the No.10 role.
Star men and substitutes
Ollie Tanner 9 - What a threat he was throughout the night. Won the penalty for the opener, hammered home his first goal of the season and tormented Watford's defence with his direct running. The only negative is that he should have had a couple more.
Jack Moylan 9 (star man) - Cardiff might have just unearthed a superstar here. He looked superb again, winning and converting the early penalty before producing a wonderfully composed finish for his second. Almost completed a hat-trick after the break, too. He's in some form.
Chris Willock 7 - A decent outing for the winger, who created a number of opportunities and delivered a dangerous cross in the build-up to Cardiff's third. Won a second-half penalty after being fed by Ashford, but a poor spot-kick was saved by Federico Ravaglia.
Will Fish (Lawlor 29) 8 - It looked as though he had scored when Mattie Pollock headed home an own goal. Assured at the back, he also produced a superb block to deny Martin Payero with a thunderous effort in the second half.
David Turnbull (Moylan 69) 7 - Came on with Cardiff firmly in control and helped the Bluebirds see out a comfortable victory. Had the luxury of settling into the game without needing to take unnecessary risks.
Calum Scanlon (Willock 69) 7 - Slotted in for the final 20 minutes as Cardiff managed their commanding lead. Helped maintain the team's shape as Watford enjoyed a little more possession late on.
Callum Robinson (Tanner 82) 7 - Needed just one chance and buried it with a fantastic low finish to make it five. So clinical from the forward, who made an immediate impact after waiting more than 80 minutes to get on.
Isaak Davies (Bagan 82) N/a - Introduced for the closing stages as Cardiff saw out a memorable win. Had little time to make a significant impact.
