Fri Dec 09, 2016 8:00 am
CARDIFF CITY ARE STILL NOT SHOOTING AT GOAL
By Chris Wathan
Friday 09th December 2016
What does surprise is that the number of shots on target or against has not really changed. Cardiff have managed an average of 12 shots on goal before and after the October change of manager, and have had to face 12 shots against compared to 13 since Warnock’s appointment.
Without going into the breakdowns of the quality of chances – both for and against – it does suggest Cardiff are making more of the opportunities they get, and are being more resilient to restrict the openings of the opposition. Indeed, it is interesting to note the average number of clearances made by Cardiff per game have boomed from 21 a match to 35.
Of course, the all important number tends to be in the final column of the table, the one under the heading of points. While the Bluebirds go to Suffolk with their hosts five points ahead, if the season had restarted when Warnock came in they would be level in midtable on 11 points.
Warnock has actually stated that he wants his side to show play-off form following the January window should he get the men he wants in, something he says will be a chance to indicate whether the club can aim for more the following season.
It backs up his suggestion it will take additions to help him achieve that, though should Cardiff continue along this average it should still be enough to avoid the bottom three and an unthinkable drop into League One.
Even with their problematic start, Cardiff are on course to pick up 56 points this term – a number big enough to beat the drop in five of the most recent Championship campaigns.
That still might make it too close for comfort, hence the request for January signings. He has said he wants to show what he can do to the board so they can then show him what they can do. Even with Cardiff still in the bottom three, the statistics suggest Warnock is doing as he says at the moment.