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' 3 Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Mon Jan 04, 2016 8:21 am

http://insidecardiffcity.co.uk/three-th ... blackburn/ :ayatollah:

16/01/04

by Michael Jones


THREE things we learnt from Cardiff’s win against Blackburn



Cardiff City ended the busy Christmas period with an uneventful 1-0 win at home to Blackburn Rovers. Contrasting with the pervading pessimism surrounding the club, I take a look at three positives that we can take from the game.


Clean Sheet :ayatollah:

For the first time in the league, since a 2-0 win over Reading, the Bluebirds held out for a clean sheet. Granted, the City defence had little to deal with as Blackburn’s attack was pitiful at best. However, it’s a sign that Slade’s men are returning to the defensive solidity that saw then concede just one goal in the league in October.


Indeed, Slade seems to have learnt from his mistakes; even if it is 7 games too late. Taking off Joe Mason for Stuart O’Keefe was a shrewd decision, ensuring a compact three man-midfield. This added layer of protection nullified the Blackburn attack, which included the invariably threatening Jordan Rhodes. Alongside this, it allowed for even greater possession towards the later stages of the game, helping subdue a late Rovers’ revival. Even shouts of ‘hurray’ at each pass echoed around the CCS as the Bluebirds retained possession for an extended period of time.




Hard to beat at home :ayatollah:

City’s last defeat at home came way-back in September against a Hull side that now sits 3rd in the table. In fact, Cardiff have only lost once in the league at home all season and 7 points from 9 at home over this Christmas period is an agreeable outcome.

However, only 8 wins from 14 games at home paints a slightly different scene. Whilst Slade’s men are resilient in the Welsh capital, they have a tendency to allow the away sides back into the game, leading to 6 draws.

If the Bluebirds can maintain their solidity at home and add a greater potency to their attack, then the CCS can become a daunting place for opposition teams. If this is to occur then Slade needs to impress upon his players the importance in killing a game off; too often have City sat back after taking the lead, allowing the visiting team a way back into the game.




Gunners firing on all cylinders :ayatollah:

Aron Gunnarsson, or ‘Gunners’, is back to his best. His return to form has been previously mentioned at Inside Cardiff City, but the Icelandic captain appears to have fully regained the quality that City fans expect.

Breaking up play, initiating attack and leading the team, City’s no.17 did it all on Saturday afternoon. The fiery way in which he plays his game complements with Ralls’ composed manner: the two have formed a strong partnership, which has benefited the side greatly.

The January transfer window is crucial for City: recruit well and we can conceivably push for the play-offs, but fail to do so will mean mediocrity. However, Kenwyne Jones’ departure, whether it be a positive or negative one (definitely positive), is another example of the diminishing budget available to Slade, suggesting that he will have limited resource. Yet, there are things that show promise, and fans shouldn’t be all doom and gloom.

Re: ' Thee Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Mon Jan 04, 2016 1:09 pm

Forever Blue wrote:http://insidecardiffcity.co.uk/three-things-we-learnt-from-cardiffs-win-against-blackburn/ :ayatollah:

16/01/04

by Michael Jones


THREE things we learnt from Cardiff’s win against Blackburn



Cardiff City ended the busy Christmas period with an uneventful 1-0 win at home to Blackburn Rovers. Contrasting with the pervading pessimism surrounding the club, I take a look at three positives that we can take from the game.


Clean Sheet :ayatollah:

For the first time in the league, since a 2-0 win over Reading, the Bluebirds held out for a clean sheet. Granted, the City defence had little to deal with as Blackburn’s attack was pitiful at best. However, it’s a sign that Slade’s men are returning to the defensive solidity that saw then concede just one goal in the league in October.


Indeed, Slade seems to have learnt from his mistakes; even if it is 7 games too late. Taking off Joe Mason for Stuart O’Keefe was a shrewd decision, ensuring a compact three man-midfield. This added layer of protection nullified the Blackburn attack, which included the invariably threatening Jordan Rhodes. Alongside this, it allowed for even greater possession towards the later stages of the game, helping subdue a late Rovers’ revival. Even shouts of ‘hurray’ at each pass echoed around the CCS as the Bluebirds retained possession for an extended period of time.




Hard to beat at home :ayatollah:

City’s last defeat at home came way-back in September against a Hull side that now sits 3rd in the table. In fact, Cardiff have only lost once in the league at home all season and 7 points from 9 at home over this Christmas period is an agreeable outcome.

However, only 8 wins from 14 games at home paints a slightly different scene. Whilst Slade’s men are resilient in the Welsh capital, they have a tendency to allow the away sides back into the game, leading to 6 draws.

If the Bluebirds can maintain their solidity at home and add a greater potency to their attack, then the CCS can become a daunting place for opposition teams. If this is to occur then Slade needs to impress upon his players the importance in killing a game off; too often have City sat back after taking the lead, allowing the visiting team a way back into the game.




Gunners firing on all cylinders :ayatollah:

Aron Gunnarsson, or ‘Gunners’, is back to his best. His return to form has been previously mentioned at Inside Cardiff City, but the Icelandic captain appears to have fully regained the quality that City fans expect.

Breaking up play, initiating attack and leading the team, City’s no.17 did it all on Saturday afternoon. The fiery way in which he plays his game complements with Ralls’ composed manner: the two have formed a strong partnership, which has benefited the side greatly.

The January transfer window is crucial for City: recruit well and we can conceivably push for the play-offs, but fail to do so will mean mediocrity. However, Kenwyne Jones’ departure, whether it be a positive or negative one (definitely positive), is another example of the diminishing budget available to Slade, suggesting that he will have limited resource. Yet, there are things that show promise, and fans shouldn’t be all doom and gloom.

"Gunnerson back to his best".... what a joke,he's slow,gives to many free kicks away,his distribution is poor, and he looks completely knackered well before the 90 minutes are up,I sometimes wonder if these so called pundits watch the same game as me

Re: ' Thee Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Mon Jan 04, 2016 3:19 pm

Without doom and gloom there wouldn't be any posts on this board :bluebird:

Re: ' Thee Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Mon Jan 04, 2016 4:19 pm

It's amazing - peoples opinion on here and in general.

I can never understand why people give Noone stick - when for me anyway, he has been great, beats 2 or 3 players , cuts inside and delivers a cross - I would have thought thats what we want him to do. Whereas others see him as surplus to requirements, I think Gunnarson has been playing well - albeit a few missed passes - but he gets stuck and wins the ball back.

The problem I have is with Slade (useless in my opinion - PE teacher done well for himself - League 2 level at best)

Mason - I have doubts over, and Jones - but at least he has gone now.

My first priority for the transfer list would be replace Slade - and all his backroom staff - other than Trollope asap.

Holloway, Warnock Bellers - any of those would do a much better job.

Re: ' Thee Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Mon Jan 04, 2016 7:09 pm

Gunners last 3 games have been by far his best this season
Granted he is not as fit as before but he does alot on and off the ball and has looked sharper and fitter in the last few games
He has found his confidence again he is running through the middle with the ball and creating chances for himself and his team mates
Why pick negatives by saying he isn't as fit just focus on the positives and stop looking at being negative all the time

Re: ' Thee Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Tue Jan 05, 2016 8:23 am

Gunnar was brilliant Saturday; top man, should be captain as he is for his country. I can't think who we have to replace him.

Re: ' 3 Things We learned About Cardiff City '

Tue Jan 05, 2016 12:02 pm

Gunnar sneaks in every night and leaves the hose pipe on, because whilst we have these heavy pitches he is in his element. As soon as the pitches firm up again and it turns into a football match he'll be chasing shadows and giving the ball away again ;)