Cardiff City’s best day for for some time.

15 Responses to Cardiff City’s best day for for some time.

1. CSB says:

   January 14, 2018 at 7:18 am

   Can’t argue with any of your thoughts here, a very fair and accurate assessment.

   As a Sunderland fan I am very worried about our current plight and I don’t think Cardiff will have very many easier games than this. Not to take anything away from their performance, you took your chances and created a lot more while giving nothing away at the back.

   All the best for the future.
2. Russell says:

   January 14, 2018 at 10:01 am

   Thanks Paul , great news on the u16/18’s results its good to hear about them doing well , and your
   “spot on ” summary of yesterday first team enjo
   goal fest ,was a very welcome return to the start of 2018.

   I did think Sunderland were poor however it has to be balanced with the fact we were good in all departments, as you point out we appeared from the start ,hungry for the ball ,taking throw in’s and corners with urgency ,which for me shows a desire to want a win .

   The Sunderland side look devoid of interest which must be a huge worry for them and league one does beckon , unless something big happens.

   For me the change that worked well was the apperance of Morrison in the middle of the defence he does stabalise matters and strangely Etheridge plays better with him there, I presume Murphy wasnt injured ?

   With regards to Ralls and the silly post on CCMB I believe he is one of the best in the league, and support your view, of him easily slotting into Fulham side, I remember those footy expert views on Drinkwater ,whom I thought at the time was better than Ledley. He has single handedly propped our weakness part of our team ,yep let’s award him player of the season now I say.

   Still think the team needs addition as players are not in thier natural positions which weakens our squad and importantly the bench .

   Richards was close to MOM yesterday , Zohore looked fitter still prone to avoiding headers and not fully back to running players down that could be down to medical advise , to avoid over stretching himself so early on back from injury , I do wonder what the club would do faced , with a huge bid for him this January , difficult one.

   Onwards to “”Field Mill” or the sadly sponsored
   named “” One Call Stadium” where a win will bring the second best side in the UK after Wolverlona , to our shores ,rather be playing Bolton on the Saturday though as that fits nicely into our recovery and a winnable game , being stuffed by Man City doesn’t appeal, of course we have our normal weekly live Sky 5.30 game to contend with on Saturday against the Owls , that should be a real test of our recovery .

   Thanks Paul keep it going love your blog .
3. HarryKirtley'sGhost says:

   January 14, 2018 at 12:01 pm

   You are right Paul…the Sunderland fellow owed his red card in no small measure due to the concerted attempt by City players to get him sent off, and this then setting the crowd off to chant “Off, off, off…”
   The fact that other teams would have done the same to us, is no excuse. Not a good day for our image.
   As Michael Gray said last night…”I doubt if it was even a yellow…”

   I sooo agree with you that the second City goal was a thing of beauty: up there with the Bryson goal in the reverse fixture as our Goal of the Season. Also agree so much re Wildschut…for a chap whose wife gave birth a few days ago – and thus a fellow who has been up all night with a crying baby most of the time since – his performance was an inspiration.

   Good to see Superman Callum show us a glimpse of the stunning performances he was delighting the Tynecastle faithful with.

   Last of all, I was disturbed to hear the crowd booing Etheridge’s distribution. Be careful what you wish for, Bluebirds fans. You could end up with a farcical short goal kick merchant…as practised by Huddersfield, two hours later…!!
4. Clive Rymon says:

   January 14, 2018 at 12:18 pm

   Hi Paul good report as per,my son and a few of the friends I go with at half time we’re having shall we say a heated discussion on the merits of the formation that Warnock decided to play,and I was a lone voice inasmuch as I thought I could see his thinking that after the poor run at Christmas and our Manager saying we were a bit short in midfield that he needed to do something about it,whereas they thought why when were playing at home would we go so defensive,and now I understand why the man marking job by Richards as apparently he caused us a lot of problems up at their place,so for me it was a case of horses for courses,anyway it didn’t turn out to badly in the end even though they were down to ten men not to long into the second half.

   I hope that with a couple more additions we can consolidate our position,and from my own perspective we can beat Mansfield on Tuesday and set up a glamour tie which hopefully will rekindle more interest in the City and get a few more bums on seats for the run in.
5. Colin Phillips says:

   January 14, 2018 at 12:23 pm

   Thanks, Paul.

   I know we shouldn’t denigrate any 4-0 win but it’s impossible to evaluate a performance without taking the strength of the opposition into account. I feel that our home win against Leeds would be regarded as a better performance than yesterday.

   I don’t like to criticise such a wholehearted performer as Joe Ralls but in my opinion he has two things stopping him becoming a really top player, he has no confidence in using his right foot (it amazes me that so many players that have made it into the professional game when they are totally reliant on one foot), Ralls also lacks composure when the ball is bouncing around the half-way line when I feel he should bring the ball and put his foot on it he prefers a flick-on or an over-the-shoulder hopeful punt.

   I see that some people on the forums are saying that Patterson was a candidate for man-of-the-match, that surprised me, I thought he looked a fish out of the water in the first half when he seemed to be unaware of his role, he got on the ball often enough but then proceeded to give it away. The two goals were nice but I am not convinced by him yet.

   Felt sorry for the player sent off, he was unlucky but in fairness to the ref he didn’t get the slow-motion replay that showed the boot hitting the top of the ball before being diverted onto Hoilett’s leg. We’ve certainly had worse refs but agreed that after the sending-off he gave us very little and the yellow card for Morrison was a joke.

   With all the talk of incoming strikers I get the feeling that Zohore may soon be leaving us, does anyone else feel the same?
6. Anthony O'Brien says:

   January 14, 2018 at 2:27 pm

   As usual the MAYA site and its contributions are measured and informative. Like Colin Phillips, I am concerned at the way Ralls has to manoeuvre to his left foot in order to make a pass, and I also query his passing ability under pressure. David Silva he is not — but then, who is? I thought Ralls grew in strength and confidence as the game progressed, and like all fans I hope this trend continues. I’d also like to mention Etheridge. During the first half I noticed that he had changed his kicking technique, both when kicking the dead ball and kicking out of his hands. The dead ball did not gravitate to the right so often, and for a time his punts took a lower and more effective
   trajectory. As the game went on he seemed to revert to his old ways — but at least there were signs that he has been working on his technique, and this has to be good news. Wildschuk looks a great prospect — with the proviso that if he plays wide we need a blood and thunder forward to get on the end of his crosses.
7. Jeff Blight says:

   January 14, 2018 at 5:21 pm

   All things considered I think Paterson grew into the game in yet another new more advanced central role and gave his most telling contribution to date. He was a nuisance throughout won a lot of the fifty fifty balls, yes his distribution isn’t the best but he is a whole hearted, athletic competitor something our midfield badly lacked throughout December. I would definitely persist with him in this role as he offers the energy and goal threat that has been missing.

   It is sad to see the demise of Sunderland and strange that both of their experienced strikers should leave the club during January.
8. Huw Perry says:

   January 14, 2018 at 6:02 pm

   Thanks Paul for considered analysis and also delighted with a very welcome return to winning ways.
   We looked much more comfortable and confident after recent poor performances – even in the first half when we were all feeling a bit nervous!
   As all have mentioned, Ralls was excellent and finished expertly, but also wingers were more direct and less wasteful. Welcome return for Morrison helping us look more solid at the back.
   As others have stated, not sure of the exact system in operation, but midfield support was excellent from Richards and Patterson. The latter always looks like he has a goal in him and reacted well to score his second goal.
   Finally, an excellent debut by Wildschut who was not only direct but showed good close control on a couple of occasions. Did well to set up Pilks for what could be his final goal in City colours.
   Hopefully we are back on track, despite acknowledging the limitations of Sunderland, and can pick it up again on Tuesday night to maintain confidence and secure the plum FA cup tie against Man City.
9. Russell says:

   January 14, 2018 at 7:12 pm

   Yes Colin I do agree with you about Zohore , looks like a tapped up fella, or the club feel its too much money to turn down , if it upwards of 15 million ,we’d be mad not to sell, as strikers come any go with form , or suffer long term injuries and never really get back to thier best .

   I feel the same about Gunnerson, I think he’s pushed forward this operation because of the world cup, which us sensible for him , I’d sell though , as he’s not staying is he, he didn’t sign his contract, trouble is selling an injured player isn’t easy .

   Hope I’m wrong, just a personal gut feeling .
10. paul says:

    January 14, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    Great comments. A few of my own.

    Ralls – Guys take e a look at what e has contributed this season. He has never had a fully fit seasoned championship midfielder alongside him for an extended period. yet despite that he has kept us ticking over and we are still 3rd.
    Zahore – going or not, he needs that confidence of a few games to prove to himself he is back to pre=injury. He also needs the ball played to his feet or in Etheridges case clear to Zahore so that he runs toward the ball so that he is able to control it with his chest or feet. Not punt it so long that he must challenge with his head. Meat and drink to oshea.
    morrissons booking was a joke considering O shea blocked Hoillet a few minutes earlier and did not get booked. I heard people around me stating that O shea was reffing the game. At the final whistle refs usually stand still and players go to him Yesterday I was watching madley and as soon as he blew for full time he walked up to Oshea and shook his hand.
    Wildshutt – one word for yesterday. Wow.
    Richards. Wherever he plays he seems to excell.
    Patterson- what a bargain.
    Morrison – Please cut out the injuries we need you. He reminds me of hudson. Only noticed when he is not there.
    hoillet = Mr duracell
    Hopefullly we have turned the corner and can step up from here although i feel we still need 2 at leat or perhaps 3 signnings.
11. Mike Herbert says:

    January 14, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    I don’t think we have been on tv so much since our last promotion so I am able to agree again with virtually all the comments! I too thought Ralls was really excellent and his performance brought back memories of the all-action of Peter King from a long time ago. There seemed to be lots of empty seats at the game but perhaps a few more goals will help to put that right. I had mixed feelings about the Mansfield replay but now think it could be more of a help than hindrance. I was similarly confused st times as to what system we were playing though I suppose that was understandable when they went down to 10 men. Sunderland were unlucky in that decision and I, also, don’t like the “modern” tactic of players trying to force referees to produce cards (but then I also don’t like booing of penalty takers in rugby). I wonder if Warnock hasn’t invented a new system – perhaps he could call it Total Football!!
12. The other Bob Wilson says:

    January 15, 2018 at 10:40 am

    Sorry, but I can only give a brief reply this time, so I’ll limit myself to some thoughts on a few of Saturday’s team. Firstly, Russell asks if Murphy was injured – he was on the bench, so, presumably he wasn’t and it was simply a question of Neil Warnock favouring Etheridge over him. That seems odd to me, given that I thought Murphy did pretty well against Mansfield after, perhaps, being at fault with QPR’s equaliser in his comeback match – Etheridge didn’t do anything wrong on Saturday and, as Anthony remarks, appears to have been trying to improve his kicking, so it’s hard to see why he should miss out tomorrow unless our manager has decided that Murphy will play in our Cup games this season (he was chosen for our two matches in the League Cup).
    As far as Ralls goes, I think Paul does a very good job of putting the case for him, but I would ask Colin and other doubters to try and find a video of the goal he scored at Fulham last season with his right foot = there is no doubt which is his stronger foot and he made a bit of a mess of a good first half chance on Saturday which he hit with his right peg, but, to quote that old line, it is for more than just standing on in Ralls’ case.
    I’m not wholly convinced by Paterson as a midfield player, but a good midfield unit should have a balance to it and, as long as others could compensate for his shortcomings, he could provide us with aspects of that role which we have lacked for some time. Speaking as someone who is always saying we have never replaced Jordon Mutch when it comes to running with the ball at the opposition from the middle of the park, Paterson could be effective at that part of the game and his eye for a goal makes me think we could rely on him getting into double figures over the course of a season and it#s a long time since we’ve had a central midfielder who could do that for us – Ralls may manage it mind this year.
13. Lindsay Davies says:

    January 15, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    As a Bluebird living in Canary-ville, I’ll make a small contribution from here in the Far East. I’ve much enjoyed Wildschut’s appearances at Carrow Road this season – very strong, forceful, and pretty quick; as our Blogmeister says, “direct”.
    He didn’t seem to be a regular starter here, so, maybe that’s why he’s moved on loan.
    Very nice for us, I’d say.
14. The other Bob Wilson says:

    January 17, 2018 at 10:59 am

    Hello Lindsay, some interesting comments there from someone who has actually seen our newest signing play a bit and I was heartened by the fact that the view from Norwich fans, as posted on the messageboard I use, was positive with some bemusement as to why he had been allowed to go out on loan being expressed.
15. The other Bob Wilson says:

    January 18, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    Apologies for not replying earlier CSB and thanks very much for your contribution – I always think it’s great when supporters of “the other team” give their feedback.

    As I said in my piece, I don’t fancy your chances of staying up if you perform like that every week. However, I can remember reading before the game that your injury list was so long that the side to play Cardiff was likely to be your weakest one on paper of the season and my mind goes back to our one season in the Premier League (13/14) when your team looked relegation certs for about 90 per cent of the campaign. The televised 2-2 draw down here when you scored twice in the last few minutes was a huge game in our season in my opinion – we may well have gone down anyway if we had won, but the way things played that evening represented a real kick in the guts for us and I can remember thinking that not winning when you were 2-0 up in the eighty fifth minute is the sort of thing that happens to relegation sides. As for your team, I can remember them losing 5-1 I think it was at Spurs with about a month of the season left and then thinking that we only had to worry about two of the relegation places, but, from somewhere, you discovered the will and belief to go to top four sides and pick up wins and draws as well as beating us 4-0 in a game which turned out uncannily like Saturdays!

    Although your situation looks bleak, its not as if you are miles adrift at the bottom, but I think you really need to discover the knack of winning at home again soon – that loss to Barnsley was a real shock to me. As for us, things are looking up a little after a very poor holiday period and I have a good feeling about the two loan signings we’ve made in the window so far – there is talk of Grabban joining us on a permanent deal, but, although he scoring rate for you was very good, I wouldn’t be too bothered if the speculation came to nothing.

    Best of luck for the rest of the season – I reckon we’ll be in the Championship in 18/19 and I think the same may be true about you, but the supporters of your club deserve much better than what they’ve seen for the last five years or so.

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