Championship wrap: Cardiff slip punished by Wolves
Cardiff City suffered a shock defeat at Bolton Wanderers, allowing Championship leader Wolverhampton Wanderers to open up a seven-point advantage.
Wolverhampton Wanderers opened up a seven-point gap at the top of the Championship after beating Ipswich Town 1-0 while Cardiff City lost 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers.
Nuno Espirito Santo's men have been the standout side so far this season and they are showing no signs of slowing down as they head into the festive period in confident fashion.
Bristol City was unable to build on its EFL Cup win over Manchester United with another victory, as it drew 1-1 at Queens Park Rangers, while Leeds United, a 1-0 victor over Hull City, and Aston Villa held on to their places in the top six, despite the latter relinquishing a 2-0 lead and ultimately drawing 2-2 with a Sheffield United side that had lost three in a row.
Towards the bottom of the table, Burton Albion pulled itself out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Reading, securing victory late on through Tom Naylor.
Middlesbrough also benefited from some late drama at Sheffield Wednesday, scoring twice in the final 19 minutes to win 2-1 and inflict a third successive defeat on its host.
Derby County meanwhile recorded its fourth victory and fourth clean sheet in succession, beating Millwall 3-0 at home to close in on Cardiff.
Generally chances were at a premium at Molineux, although Wolves were more clinical than the visitors.
The only goal of the game came just before half-time, as Diogo Jota's right-wing cross fell kindly for Ivan Cavaleiro and the Portugal international slammed home.
Wolves were in control for much of the match, but their inability to finish Ipswich off led to a tense ending.
Coach Nuno showed his relief when celebrating at full-time, as Wolves ensured they will sit seven points clear at Christmas.
Wolves also owe Bolton their gratitude, as goals from Gary Madine and Josh Vela secured a 2-0 win over second-placed Cardiff City.
The match remained goalless until the 75th minute when David Wheater's header struck a hand in the penalty area and Madine dispatched the resulting kick.
Vela added to that just before the end, producing a simple finish after being set up by Madine.
That victory lifted Bolton off the bottom of the table and above Birmingham City, which drew 1-1 at Sunderland.
Derby County closed in on Cardiff thanks to a fine 3-0 win at home to Millwall.
All three goals came in a six-minute period, with David Nugent opening the scoring in the 23rd minute when diverting home Chris Baird's corner.
Matej Vydra doubled the lead soon after with an emphatic drive from the edge of the area and Nugent wrapped things up, moving Derby up to third as its strong promotion bid continues.
