It took less than a minute for the first chance of the contest to be created, as Swans' January recruit Marvin Emnes played in Wayne Routledge, whose shot was comfortably saved by David Marshall.

Swansea's Wayne Routledge celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Cardiff during their Premier League match on February 8, 2014 © Getty Images

Some nice play by Welshman Craig Bellamy, who played a quick one-two with Declan John before driving into the box, led to Kenwyne Jones being picked out just yards from goal, only for Ashley Williams to outmuscle the striker.

Peter Whittingham tried his luck from distance, hitting the ball on the volley which swerved towards goal, although the returning Michel Vorm was alert and held onto it to keep the score level.

Swansea took the lead soon after the restart in the Premier League encounter, with half-time substitute Pablo Hernandez making an instant impact.

The Spaniard thread the ball through to Routledge, and the former Cardiff man finished well to give the hosts the advantage.

Cardiff were almost level immediately after, as Bellamy unleashed a right-footed effort from outside the box, but he was denied by the Swans' crossbar.

Swansea's Nathan Dyer celebrates after scoring this team's second goal against Cardiff during their Premier League match on February 8, 2014 © Getty Images

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men pushed forward to find an equaliser but it wasn't to be. Nathan Dyer doubled the home side's lead with a little over 10 minutes remaining when he was allowed to head home after John had failed to pick up the winger.

Swansea made sure of matters by adding a third through Wilfried Bony, with the Ivorian striker's header beating Marshall in the Cardiff goal to give Garry Monk a winning start at the helm of the Welsh outfit.