Whittingham deserved to be subbed

I will support any City player who gives 100% however well or poor they play, but Whittingham's effort yesterday was shocking. I didn't boo him off, but I applauded Ole's decision to sub him. At one point, Medel sprinted to 3 different players to try and win the ball, then turned to Whittingham who just put a hand up to apologise. When Snodgrass ran towards Declan John and their right back bombed on to overlap, Whittingham didn't track back leaving John exposed and it was at that point Ole told Zaha to get stripped. I don't agree with fans booing players, but I can understand why fans were frustrated with Whittingham's lack of effort yesterday.

Also, I must confess it looks like I was completely wrong about Zaha. We all know how good he is on the ball, but I thought he would be frustrating, take wrong options and be lazy. But yesterday, he did everything you could ask from him. His decision making and end product was a lot better than I expected, he put through some lovely quick passes which caught Norwich out, he worked hard tracking back to defend and he frightened Norwich. He must start next week.

Lastly, I thought Kenwyne Jones was immense. My man of the match. I felt sorry for Campbell being dropped, but Jones has given us the extra option we've been lacking up front. Finally, we have a target man who we can play the ball up to and trust to hold up and bring others into play. He bullied their centre backs at times, he's very good on the deck for a big man too and his defensive work won us the game. Every corner that came in, Jones seemed to be there rising above everyone to head it away. He's a man mountain of a man!

But overall, there were lots of negatives and I thought we were very lucky to win. Jones' defensive work and Marshall's outstanding saves won us the game. Fabio is a good footballer who struggled defensively early on but I thought he grew into the game in the second half. Ben Turner had a shocker, a centre back should never let the ball bounce and Turner allowed that to happen several times which nearly cost us, although for the last 10 minutes he did well. There's still a lot of work to head, but playing badly and still picking up a win against a rival at the bottom shows we have the character to stay up and I think we will continue improving when the squad gels, the new signings get fully match fit and the players continue to develop an understanding.

100% agree with all of that Tonteg.

Ole had wrong starting tactic

I believe it wernt personally whitts who got subbed if gunners was on it would of been him we didn't have a left mid therefore Zaha came on because whites was playing out of position it could of been anyone

Tactical change not whitts off personally

Ole had wrong starting tactic

I believe it wernt personally whitts who got subbed if gunners was on it would of been him we didn't have a left mid therefore Zaha came on because whites was playing out of position it could of been anyone

Tactical change not whitts off personally

Agree with the left midfield bit. Declan seemed to be a loan ranger down the left. But Whitts made it easy for Ole as to which player to take off.

Ole had wrong starting tactic

I believe it wernt personally whitts who got subbed if gunners was on it would of been him we didn't have a left mid therefore Zaha came on because whites was playing out of position it could of been anyone

Tactical change not whitts off personally

Agree with the left midfield bit. Declan seemed to be a loan ranger down the left. But Whitts made it easy for Ole as to which player to take off.

mutch seemed to be the player entrusted to cover the left...........he kept drifting across and leaving huge gaps, at one point he messed up and stood absolutely still and watched the attack,he had set up, at the point he took whitts off i thought he had been poor but not as bad as mutch,bellamy,or turner..i did think however the three mention improved as the game went on....i agree zaha came on as a genuine left midfielder..tactical....

Tonteg you are absolutely spot on with your analysis of Whitingham's performance yesterday, he also failed to close down Bradley Johnson before he made the pass inside Noone the set Olsen free to cross for their goal. As a Cardiff City fan for over 40 years I will forgive players who represent our club anything except lack of desire and effort.

I will support any City player who gives 100% however well or poor they play, but Whittingham's effort yesterday was shocking. I didn't boo him off, but I applauded Ole's decision to sub him. At one point, Medel sprinted to 3 different players to try and win the ball, then turned to Whittingham who just put a hand up to apologise. When Snodgrass ran towards Declan John and their right back bombed on to overlap, Whittingham didn't track back leaving John exposed and it was at that point Ole told Zaha to get stripped. I don't agree with fans booing players, but I can understand why fans were frustrated with Whittingham's lack of effort yesterday.

Also, I must confess it looks like I was completely wrong about Zaha. We all know how good he is on the ball, but I thought he would be frustrating, take wrong options and be lazy. But yesterday, he did everything you could ask from him. His decision making and end product was a lot better than I expected, he put through some lovely quick passes which caught Norwich out, he worked hard tracking back to defend and he frightened Norwich. He must start next week.

Lastly, I thought Kenwyne Jones was immense. My man of the match. I felt sorry for Campbell being dropped, but Jones has given us the extra option we've been lacking up front. Finally, we have a target man who we can play the ball up to and trust to hold up and bring others into play. He bullied their centre backs at times, he's very good on the deck for a big man too and his defensive work won us the game. Every corner that came in, Jones seemed to be there rising above everyone to head it away. He's a man mountain of a man!

But overall, there were lots of negatives and I thought we were very lucky to win. Jones' defensive work and Marshall's outstanding saves won us the game. Fabio is a good footballer who struggled defensively early on but I thought he grew into the game in the second half. Ben Turner had a shocker, a centre back should never let the ball bounce and Turner allowed that to happen several times which nearly cost us, although for the last 10 minutes he did well. There's still a lot of work to head, but playing badly and still picking up a win against a rival at the bottom shows we have the character to stay up and I think we will continue improving when the squad gels, the new signings get fully match fit and the players continue to develop an understanding.

Best post of the weekend by far! I applaud your keen observation and understanding of the game. To my mind Medel rightly gets frustrated with Whittingham and doesn't play to his full potential with him. He was far more effective after the substitution.

People quite rightly talk about our lack of quality up front and in defence but overwhelmingly the reasons for our capitulations this season hss been because we have given up the initiative in midfield too easily. With the new personnel on board we now have an opportunity to redress this problem.

Yes because of course Norwich didnt create anything after Whitts went off did they?

I will support any City player who gives 100% however well or poor they play, but Whittingham's effort yesterday was shocking. I didn't boo him off, but I applauded Ole's decision to sub him. At one point, Medel sprinted to 3 different players to try and win the ball, then turned to Whittingham who just put a hand up to apologise. When Snodgrass ran towards Declan John and their right back bombed on to overlap, Whittingham didn't track back leaving John exposed and it was at that point Ole told Zaha to get stripped. I don't agree with fans booing players, but I can understand why fans were frustrated with Whittingham's lack of effort yesterday.

Also, I must confess it looks like I was completely wrong about Zaha. We all know how good he is on the ball, but I thought he would be frustrating, take wrong options and be lazy. But yesterday, he did everything you could ask from him. His decision making and end product was a lot better than I expected, he put through some lovely quick passes which caught Norwich out, he worked hard tracking back to defend and he frightened Norwich. He must start next week.

Lastly, I thought Kenwyne Jones was immense. My man of the match. I felt sorry for Campbell being dropped, but Jones has given us the extra option we've been lacking up front. Finally, we have a target man who we can play the ball up to and trust to hold up and bring others into play. He bullied their centre backs at times, he's very good on the deck for a big man too and his defensive work won us the game. Every corner that came in, Jones seemed to be there rising above everyone to head it away. He's a man mountain of a man!

But overall, there were lots of negatives and I thought we were very lucky to win. Jones' defensive work and Marshall's outstanding saves won us the game. Fabio is a good footballer who struggled defensively early on but I thought he grew into the game in the second half. Ben Turner had a shocker, a centre back should never let the ball bounce and Turner allowed that to happen several times which nearly cost us, although for the last 10 minutes he did well. There's still a lot of work to head, but playing badly and still picking up a win against a rival at the bottom shows we have the character to stay up and I think we will continue improving when the squad gels, the new signings get fully match fit and the players continue to develop an understanding.

Best post of the weekend by far! I applaud your keen observation and understanding of the game. To my mind Medel rightly gets frustrated with Whittingham and doesn't play to his full potential with him. He was far more effective after the substitution.

People quite rightly talk about our lack of quality up front and in defence but overwhelmingly the reasons for our capitulations this season hss been because we have given up the initiative in midfield too easily. With the new personnel on board we now have an opportunity to redress this problem.

I totally agree with our problems in midfield. In my opinion, we need another quality holding midfielder to slot in alongside Medel. I think Zaha and Noone on the wings either side of Mutch pushing on is strong, but we are lacking someone good enough to slot in alongside Medel to help him break up the play and keep possession better. We invite pressure onto ourselves by continuously giving the ball away and making poor decisions. Whittingham doesn't have the mobility and I don't think Gunnarsson is good enough on the ball.

For now, I think I would stick with our current set up of playing Bellamy in the number 10 role and drop Mutch deeper alongside Medel. I know that restricts Mutch's freedom to express himself, but I think he's more dangerous breaking forwards from deep anyway. Alternatively, I think Cowie could do a good job alongside Medel. He has a phenomenal engine and would be there to pick up the loose balls I think. Cowie is also very underrated on the ball, he isn't likely to make a defence splitting pass, but he rarely gives the ball away. I would have rathered Cowie come on instead of Gunnarsson yesterday.

I will support any City player who gives 100% however well or poor they play, but Whittingham's effort yesterday was shocking. I didn't boo him off, but I applauded Ole's decision to sub him. At one point, Medel sprinted to 3 different players to try and win the ball, then turned to Whittingham who just put a hand up to apologise. When Snodgrass ran towards Declan John and their right back bombed on to overlap, Whittingham didn't track back leaving John exposed and it was at that point Ole told Zaha to get stripped. I don't agree with fans booing players, but I can understand why fans were frustrated with Whittingham's lack of effort yesterday.

Also, I must confess it looks like I was completely wrong about Zaha. We all know how good he is on the ball, but I thought he would be frustrating, take wrong options and be lazy. But yesterday, he did everything you could ask from him. His decision making and end product was a lot better than I expected, he put through some lovely quick passes which caught Norwich out, he worked hard tracking back to defend and he frightened Norwich. He must start next week.

Lastly, I thought Kenwyne Jones was immense. My man of the match. I felt sorry for Campbell being dropped, but Jones has given us the extra option we've been lacking up front. Finally, we have a target man who we can play the ball up to and trust to hold up and bring others into play. He bullied their centre backs at times, he's very good on the deck for a big man too and his defensive work won us the game. Every corner that came in, Jones seemed to be there rising above everyone to head it away. He's a man mountain of a man!

But overall, there were lots of negatives and I thought we were very lucky to win. Jones' defensive work and Marshall's outstanding saves won us the game. Fabio is a good footballer who struggled defensively early on but I thought he grew into the game in the second half. Ben Turner had a shocker, a centre back should never let the ball bounce and Turner allowed that to happen several times which nearly cost us, although for the last 10 minutes he did well. There's still a lot of work to head, but playing badly and still picking up a win against a rival at the bottom shows we have the character to stay up and I think we will continue improving when the squad gels, the new signings get fully match fit and the players continue to develop an understanding.

Best post of the weekend by far! I applaud your keen observation and understanding of the game. To my mind Medel rightly gets frustrated with Whittingham and doesn't play to his full potential with him. He was far more effective after the substitution.

People quite rightly talk about our lack of quality up front and in defence but overwhelmingly the reasons for our capitulations this season hss been because we have given up the initiative in midfield too easily. With the new personnel on board we now have an opportunity to redress this problem.

I totally agree with our problems in midfield. In my opinion, we need another quality holding midfielder to slot in alongside Medel. I think Zaha and Noone on the wings either side of Mutch pushing on is strong, but we are lacking someone good enough to slot in alongside Medel to help him break up the play and keep possession better. We invite pressure onto ourselves by continuously giving the ball away and making poor decisions. Whittingham doesn't have the mobility and I don't think Gunnarsson is good enough on the ball.

For now, I think I would stick with our current set up of playing Bellamy in the number 10 role and drop Mutch deeper alongside Medel. I know that restricts Mutch's freedom to express himself, but I think he's more dangerous breaking forwards from deep anyway. Alternatively, I think Cowie could do a good job alongside Medel. He has a phenomenal engine and would be there to pick up the loose balls I think. Cowie is also very underrated on the ball, he isn't likely to make a defence splitting pass, but he rarely gives the ball away. I would have rathered Cowie come on instead of Gunnarsson yesterday.

I agree we could do with another quality holding player a la Medel but of course that will have to wait until the summer. I have some confidence that now Whittingham has been sussed Eikrem may become a big player for us alongside Medel.

Generally I would disagree with the Cowie option but with hindsight it might have been correct yesterday. Bellamy to me is better as a second half impact player and I would prefer Kim to start, but I think Daehli might outshine even him when he gains match fitness. I would love to see Kenwyne and Frazier have a try out together, I think there could be goals aplenty!

I will support any City player who gives 100% however well or poor they play, but Whittingham's effort yesterday was shocking. I didn't boo him off, but I applauded Ole's decision to sub him. At one point, Medel sprinted to 3 different players to try and win the ball, then turned to Whittingham who just put a hand up to apologise. When Snodgrass ran towards Declan John and their right back bombed on to overlap, Whittingham didn't track back leaving John exposed and it was at that point Ole told Zaha to get stripped. I don't agree with fans booing players, but I can understand why fans were frustrated with Whittingham's lack of effort yesterday.

Also, I must confess it looks like I was completely wrong about Zaha. We all know how good he is on the ball, but I thought he would be frustrating, take wrong options and be lazy. But yesterday, he did everything you could ask from him. His decision making and end product was a lot better than I expected, he put through some lovely quick passes which caught Norwich out, he worked hard tracking back to defend and he frightened Norwich. He must start next week.

Lastly, I thought Kenwyne Jones was immense. My man of the match. I felt sorry for Campbell being dropped, but Jones has given us the extra option we've been lacking up front. Finally, we have a target man who we can play the ball up to and trust to hold up and bring others into play. He bullied their centre backs at times, he's very good on the deck for a big man too and his defensive work won us the game. Every corner that came in, Jones seemed to be there rising above everyone to head it away. He's a man mountain of a man!

But overall, there were lots of negatives and I thought we were very lucky to win. Jones' defensive work and Marshall's outstanding saves won us the game. Fabio is a good footballer who struggled defensively early on but I thought he grew into the game in the second half. Ben Turner had a shocker, a centre back should never let the ball bounce and Turner allowed that to happen several times which nearly cost us, although for the last 10 minutes he did well. There's still a lot of work to head, but playing badly and still picking up a win against a rival at the bottom shows we have the character to stay up and I think we will continue improving when the squad gels, the new signings get fully match fit and the players continue to develop an understanding.

Best post of the weekend by far! I applaud your keen observation and understanding of the game. To my mind Medel rightly gets frustrated with Whittingham and doesn't play to his full potential with him. He was far more effective after the substitution.

People quite rightly talk about our lack of quality up front and in defence but overwhelmingly the reasons for our capitulations this season hss been because we have given up the initiative in midfield too easily. With the new personnel on board we now have an opportunity to redress this problem.

I totally agree with our problems in midfield. In my opinion, we need another quality holding midfielder to slot in alongside Medel. I think Zaha and Noone on the wings either side of Mutch pushing on is strong, but we are lacking someone good enough to slot in alongside Medel to help him break up the play and keep possession better. We invite pressure onto ourselves by continuously giving the ball away and making poor decisions. Whittingham doesn't have the mobility and I don't think Gunnarsson is good enough on the ball.

For now, I think I would stick with our current set up of playing Bellamy in the number 10 role and drop Mutch deeper alongside Medel. I know that restricts Mutch's freedom to express himself, but I think he's more dangerous breaking forwards from deep anyway. Alternatively, I think Cowie could do a good job alongside Medel. He has a phenomenal engine and would be there to pick up the loose balls I think. Cowie is also very underrated on the ball, he isn't likely to make a defence splitting pass, but he rarely gives the ball away. I would have rathered Cowie come on instead of Gunnarsson yesterday.

I agree we could do with another quality holding player a la Medel but of course that will have to wait until the summer. I have some confidence that now Whittingham has been sussed Eikrem may become a big player for us alongside Medel.

Generally I would disagree with the Cowie option but with hindsight it might have been correct yesterday. Bellamy to me is better as a second half impact player and I would prefer Kim to start, but I think Daehli might outshine even him when he gains match fitness. I would love to see Kenwyne and Frazier have a try out together, I think there could be goals aplenty!

I didn't go to Bolton but I was surprised Eikrem was subbed at half time as he looked very good against West Ham and Man City when he came on. From what I've seen of Daehli so far he looks a very good footballer but to me, he looks more like a number 10 Juan Mata type than a winger. I was excited when we were linked to Kara recently as Kara is a Patrick Vieira type midfield destroyer. Someone like that would have been perfect to slot in alongside Medel.

I feel at the moment our midfield lacks energy, pace and power. West Ham's Diame was swotting away challenges in our first game of the season and that was an eye opener of the step up to the Premiership. Although Medel brings a tiggerish, tough tackling tenacity, he can't do it all himself when we are against superior teams with superior players. The only midfielder we really currently have with a powerful box to box engine is Jordon Mutch. I think to strengthen our midfield, we need to sign some athletes who won't get bullied so much.

Yes Whittingham deserved to be substituted.

But he didn't deserve the reception he got from some of the crowd as he was walking off.

Felt sorry for him and embarrassed for the people cheering the decision.

Being substituted is part and parcel of football, although a 'tactical' substitution before half-time is unusual. Whitts, and all the rest of them, need our support now. We need to boost the players'' confidence, not shatter it. We won't win this relegation dogfight by turning in on ourselves. If we all stick together, we might.