"We have dominated recent games without getting the right results and in this division games can be tight," said Dave Jones. "They threw on some big players and a lapse in concentration could have undone all our good work.
"Their goalkeeper had a tremendous game and probably saved his side from an even bigger defeat. He pulled off some outstanding saves, particularly from Michael Chopra in the first half.
"We had to continue to keep hold of the ball and create openings and while they tried to contain Craig Bellamy, it gave us more room elsewhere."
Jones continued: "There was lots of good movement and everything fell into place.
"When you lose a couple of games you tend to look at the way you are playing but all we needed was a tweak here and there.
"We have a lot of illness in the camp, even some of those who played here, so all credit to them."
Aidy Boothroyd was left to rue a disappointing display from his side and admitted they were soundly beaten having allowed Cardiff to play their game.
A double attacking substitution just before the hour mark gave City some hope as they started to fashion half-chances, Freddy Eastwood going closest when he found the side-netting.
But, all in all, Coventry could have no complaints as they went down to their sixth successive defeat to Cardiff and sixth in a row in the Welsh capital.
"We never got going for 55 minutes and you can't do that against a very good team," said Boothroyd afterwards.
"Cardiff have some terrific players and we allowed them to dictate the game, particularly during the first half.
"The players are very disappointed as we let Craig Bellamy cause us problems, yet after the break when we had a goal disallowed we had them rocking and should have made it count when we had the chance.
"You have to come with a gameplan and make sure you stick to it but we didn't and in the end we have got what we deserved.
"We played a very good team and have been well beaten even though I thought we were capable of getting a result here, but the games are coming thick and fast and now we look to our next match."