Tony Mowbray was delighted to see Blackburn Rovers execute their training ground plan to full effect as they beat Cardiff City.
Goals from Andri Gudjohnsen and Todd Cantwell put Rovers in a commanding position at half-time despite the visitors dominating the ball, as anticipated.
Blackburn set traps for the Bluebirds and punished them with swift counter-attack moves, something they'd focused intensely on during the three-week international break.
The goals were well-worked, with runners beyond the ball and clinical finishes at the end after winning back possession.
More chances came and went in the second half to make the score more comfortable but Mowbray was pleased to defeat an awkward opponent.
"We knew we were playing a team with good possession stats," Mowbray said.
"They keep the ball really well and we knew it would be a tight game. We didn't touch it for the first five minutes; they had 50 passes before our first contact.
"We were expecting that and then we executed what we had been working on. Transitions, playing forward quickly, running past the ball and we did that.
"The second goal epitomised that with how we nicked it, put it forward, crossed it and scored.
"It was a good day for us. I'd have been much happier if we'd scored more and won three or four nil but they got a goal. A disappointing one, a long ball that ricocheted and they scored.
"After that, we showed some grit and determination to stay in front and win the match. It wasn't as if we didn't threaten the goal, we had lots of opportunities to score again but didn't manage it."
Rovers' risk-and-reward football was on full display in the second half. They had multiple good chances to add to their lead, often denied by Nathan Trott in Cardiff's goal.
But they had nervy moments of their own, even if Balazs Toth wasn't overworked. The end of six minutes of stoppage time was met with a loud cheer after the team showed good resilience to hang on at the end.
"They're a very well-coached team and I've had it many times where you think you're in control but the momentum goes the other way," Mowbray reflected.
"Before you know it, you're level or hanging on for a point. So it's just as pleasing to keep it at 2-1 after being so good in the first half.
"The fans stuck with us, cheering all the way through. I was pleased for everyone; we knew it wouldn't be easy because of the type of team they are. They will take points off teams this year.
"In a three-game week, to get three points in the first game is huge. We will try and do the same to play attacking football against Bristol City and West Brom this week."
LISTEN: ROVERS 2-1 CARDIFF DEBRIEF
Rovers' bench was noticeably stronger after the break, with Moussa Baradji, Jayden Fevrier and Augustus Kargbo all contributing after coming on.
"If you think back to six weeks, we had to bring players on for their debut against QPR," Mowbray admitted.
"Baradji was excellent with his power, Fevs has an amazing left foot and a rocket on his right. If you give him space, he can score.
"I think we have good options off the bench. Garrett came to the party too after being far down, didn't work at Tranmere and Bristol Rovers.
"We have bodies back now and hopefully two more strikers over the next few weeks."
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