Cardiff delivered their most impressive performance of the season, thrashing Plymouth 5-0 and adding to Wayne Rooney's woes. Alex Robertson scored his first league goal since joining from Manchester City in the 16th minute, with Rubin Colwill doubling Cardiff's lead just eight minutes later. Rooney, serving a one-match touchline ban, watched as Ibrahim Cissoko received a straight red card before Anwar El Ghazi scored his maiden goal for the Bluebirds in the 52nd minute. Callum Robinson added another in the 75th minute, followed by Chris Willock scoring his first for the club five minutes later, securing Cardiff's second win in three games under interim boss Omer Riza. This result left Plymouth still winless on the road this season.
Substitute Dane Scarlett's dramatic injury-time header earned Oxford a 1-1 draw against West Brom, preventing the Baggies from taking the top spot. Karlan Ahearne-Grant's second goal of the season gave Albion a first-half lead, a superb 25-yard drive that found the net off the inside of the post. However, Oxford rallied in the second half, and in the third minute of stoppage time, Elliott Moore headed on Will Vaulks' long throw, allowing Scarlett to nod home from seven yards out. This leveller maintained Oxford's unbeaten home record this season.
Emil Riis ensured Preston's unbeaten home record under Paul Heckingbottom continued with a 1-0 victory over Coventry. The 26-year-old headed home the winning goal in the 72nd minute after missing several good chances in the first half. This strong performance underscored the progress Preston has made since Heckingbottom replaced Ryan Lowe in August. In contrast, Coventry's manager Mark Robins faced less optimism, with just two wins in their last 10 league matches.
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