A 3-0 win, a clean sheet and a place in the Championship's top three. The scoreline suggests a comfortable afternoon for Wolves. But watching the game, I came away with more mixed feelings.

For the first 30 minutes or so, Wolves gave us plenty to be positive about. We looked sharp, played with purpose and, most importantly, took our chances.

After recent frustrations in front of goal, it was good to see us being more clinical.

Then Jordan James went off, and the game seemed to lose some of its spark.

Wolves still looked better than they have at times this season, but we never quite seemed to get back to that early rhythm. We were winning, yet still not firing on all cylinders or reaching our potential.

Cardiff had a big share of possession but struggled to turn it into enough threat.

That helped Wolves keep a clean sheet, though the visitors had chances and the scoreline made the game look more straightforward than it felt.

The result was convincing. The performance, less so.

That gap between the score and the feeling in the ground is why I can understand fans feeling a little nonplussed.

There was something flat about Molineux, even with Wolves playing better and scoring three.

Cesar Peixoto needs to find a way to bring the team and supporters together. Results matter, but so does the sense that the players are giving fans something to believe in.

Still, the bigger picture is hard to dismiss. Wolves sit third, four points off the top and firmly among the promotion contenders. There is plenty to be encouraged by, even if this performance left questions unanswered.

So, is the glass half full or half empty? The league position says half full. The feeling at Molineux suggests there is still more to come.