Sheffield Wednesday secured a comfortable victory against an out-of-sorts Cardiff at Hillsborough.
Esajas on form as Wednesday dominate against Cardiff
Sheffield Wednesday beat Cardiff 3-1 to claim their first Championship victory in four games thanks to an inspired performance by Etienne Esajas.
The Bluebirds, who started the season in fine form, have now slumped to their fourth loss in five league games.
Esajas set the tone when he found the net from a free-kick just four minutes after the start at Hillsborough.
Wednesday striker Luke Varney struck the post before Peter Whittingham levelled from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Michael Chopra was brought down by goalkeeper Lee Grant.
Esajas turned provider three minutes into the second half when he crossed for Varney to head home.
And after Joe Ledley saw red for a second bookable offence, Esajas claimed his second assist of the afternoon to seal a comfortable victory.
The Dutch winger found unmarked Leon Clarke, who had already hit the woodwork, at the back post and the substitute's volley put the game beyond reach.
Fast Start
Wednesday wasted no time exerting their influence as Esajas, returning to the Owls' starting line-up following his impressive display as a substitute in last week's derby defeat to Sheffield United, secured an early lead.
Varney's run was halted by Cardiff captain Mark Hudson on the edge of the penalty area and Esajas stepped up to float the set-piece over the wall, off the post and into the net.
The hosts were almost two goals to the good in the 12th minute as Varney's low effort rebounded off the post to safety.
But from being almost out of the game, Cardiff were level just four minutes later.
Chopra latched onto a hopeful ball over the top and as he ghosted past Grant he was brought to the ground, leaving referee Michael Oliver with no option but to point to the spot.
Leveller
Whittingham subsequently stepped up and fired the spot-kick into the bottom right corner.
Both sides were showing plenty of neat touches and attacking endeavour as the half continued, although Owls skipper Darren Purse was enduring an opening 45 minutes to forget against his former club.
But, despite Chopra and Mark Kennedy both seeing goals disallowed for the Bluebirds, a lively first-half drew to a close with the score level at 1-1.
Having broken the deadlock with four minutes on the clock, the home side regained their advantage just three minutes after the break,
Esajas was given plenty of space on the left to float in a cross which found the unmarked Varney and his glancing header left David Marshall with no chance.
Again, in similar fashion to the first half, Wednesday hit the woodwork shortly after finding the net, Clarke this time striking a post after latching onto Adam Matthews' short back pass.
Then Bluebirds midfielder Ledley saw red in the 72nd minute for a reckless challenge on Michael Gray saw him collect his second yellow card.
And the game was wrapped up 10 minutes from time when Esajas set up Clarke for Wednesday's third from close range.
