Attacking philosophy has benefited us defensively - Bagan

Cardiff City defender Joel Bagan believes their excellent defensive record this season is down to Brian Barry-Murphy's attacking philosophy.

The Bluebirds are still unbeaten this season and sit top of the League One table on 16 points.

They are the league's joint top goal scorers with 11, and also boast the league's best defence with only one goal conceded.

They've gone almost nine hours without conceding a league goal - that came against Peterborough on the opening weekend of the season.

"We've had the ball a lot longer in games. If you look at the possession stats then the numbers are high. Brian has told me and Ronan (Kpakio) that the best way to defend is to attack - take their wingers backwards," said Bagan.

"You want to be in a team that's got the ball. I feel that I play better when I've got the ball and I'm involved in the game.

"I just want to keep working on that and get some assists and goals now as well."

Cardiff's back four for most of the season has consisted of three players who have come through the academy system - Bagan, Dylan Lawlor and Kpakio.

And Bagan believes that has also played a part in their strong start to the season.

"From the first game, and even in pre-season, we got used to working with each other," Bagan added.

"Me, Dylan, and Ronan have come through the academy, and I think that makes it easier because we know each other's strengths.

"When we're so close - like we are in the changing room - you want to push that extra yard for each other.

"Every week we're getting stronger and stronger and I think you can see that in the performances."