By Sam Hill
Calum Chambers’ influence on this Cardiff City side is growing with every passing week, and Sunday’s controlled 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic was another prime example.
The club captain not only delivered a stunning winning goal, but his overall performance was dominant.
Speaking after the match, Chambers was quick to downplay his own personal efforts.
He said: “A clean sheet really is more important,” he said. “But it’s nice to help the team. Three points in a game like that is massive and I’m really, really happy.”
The defender’s attacking instincts were on display, in which he had a subtle nod to his early days starting out as a right winger in his academy days for that.
“I enjoy getting forward, I’ve got an instinct for it, and I’ve popped up with a nice goal here and there over my career,” Chambers added with a wry smile.
The game was never in doubt after Cardiff took the lead, with Wigan’s deep 5-4-1 set up offering little threat.
The 30-year-old reflected on the team’s approach against deep defences like Wigan which the Bluebirds are repeatedly facing at the Cardiff City Stadium this season.
“It is tricky when teams come and they defend like that, but it’s down to us to then sort of put our plan into the game,” he added.
“We’re creating lots and lots of chances. Sometimes we don’t put them all away, but the fact we’re creating good chances and getting in the right areas is pleasing and shows we’re consistent.”
Across the hectic festive schedule, Cardiff have picked up 10 points in 12 games.
Chambers’ role as club captain has been pivotal this season, particularly with such a young group now at the capital city side.
Reflecting on being given the armband he said: “It was massive when Brian asked me to be club captain.
“It was a really proud moment. I think it was good timing for me and my career, a new challenge if you like. Something fresh for me to sort of try, so it came at a good time really.”
“I haven’t really had to do anything much, I train as hard as I can and sort of lead by example in that sense. The boys have been amazing.
“We want more, we want to keep going and as long as we put in the performances then the results will come.”