The 2-0 scoreline flattered the sixth-placed Sky Blues, who were firmly second best and could have conceded half a dozen if not for a handful of stunning saves from Keiren Westwood.
Seyi Olofinjana's cool finish was the only breakthrough of a dominant first half for the Bluebirds, who were well and truly back in their groove.
And although Coventry put up a fight after the break, it was the inspirational Craig Bellamy who grabbed a deserved goal against his former employers courtesy of a deflected effort late on.
The visitors could have no complaints about the result though as Cardiff, watched by a sell-out home crowd, claimed their first Boxing Day victory for 11 years.
Source: PA
