Some Cardiff City fans were ridiculous to doubt Cardiff Star

Some Cardiff City fans were ridiculous to doubt Aron Gunnarsson and he proved them wrong


By Scott Johnson

Thursday 25th October 2018

Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve been missing until it finally arrives.

When Cardiff City signed Sol Bamba, they were already blessed with a wealth of quality centre backs. Yet within the space of his first 90 minutes, he had taken ownership of the Cardiff defence and they were transformed by the force of his personality.

According to some sections of Cardiff supporters, Aron Gunnarsson was done. His best days were behind him and he was now little more than a liability. His patchy performances last season were proof of that and he would never again be what he once was.

The fact that he was thrown in at the deep end immediately after recovering from long-term injury was not a consideration and all context was ignored.






So how do you explain his performance on Saturday?

Ignoring the chance to rehash ‘The Iceman Commeth’ headlines, let’s just say that rumours of Gunnarsson’s demise were very much exaggerated.

Filling in for the suspended Joe Ralls , Gunnarsson not only slotted in seamlessly, but he brought with him a much needed sense of calm. I’m a big fan of Ralls, but he cannot do what Gunnarsson can. No one else at the club can either.

He sat in front of the back four and just went about his business, breaking up attacks and offering protection without a fuss.

In that role, Gunnarsson is a specialist. He may no longer get up and down like he used to, but Cardiff don’t need that from him anymore. They need his expertise and discipline. Ralls, Harry Arter and Victor Camarasa offer plenty, but none of them are destroyers like Gunnarsson.

Ralls has a fight on his hands to get back in the team now because the blend of the midfield three on Saturday offered far better balance. Maybe Arter and Ralls are a bit too similar, while Camarasa is essential to add a little finesse to an otherwise rowdy rabble.

At times, Ralls has looked a little overawed by the Premier League and been a bit frantic in his play, typified by the rash challenge at Wembley that has cost him his place. Gunnarsson, on the other hand, has seen it all before and that was abundantly clear for anyone watching.

Gunnarsson missed about two months before Christmas and the first three months of the new year last season. Ironically, it was Ralls that benefitted from his absence and ensured that Cardiff continued to thrive. Warnock is a confirmed Ralls fan, but he now faces a real fight to regain his place.


Like the rest of us, Warnock was also wowed by Gunnarsson’s performance against Fulham, stating he was “superb.”

“He couldn't even move at the end,” Warnock added. “I asked him to give me 65-70 minutes and he was brilliant. Just his presence there. We've missed him.”

Gunnarsson will be keen to make up for lost time and although Cardiff had a season to remember last term, it was not one of Gunnarsson’s better campaigns.

With his contract running down, it felt like Gunnarsson was keeping his options open with a World Cup on the horizon. The ‘will he/won’t he’ narrative hung over him all year and Warnock moved to clarify the situation at one stage.

"We've spoken numerous times with Gunnars,” he revealed. “I have been asking him now since pre-season to commit himself, but I understand Gunnars' point of view really. He has been in the Championship for 10 years and it's hard on your body.

"To play 46 games, plus your cup games, plus internationals all over the world, he feels he doesn't want to play in the Championship next year.

"I can understand that and I don't blame him. But he said 'I would love to get us up,' and then it’s a different ball game. He would stay and play in the Premier League,” Warnock claimed, before mischievously adding: “if I wanted him."

Gunnarsson pretty much limped to the World Cup in the end, Iceland’s first time at the tournament, in what proved to be an underwhelming showing in light of their heroic run to the quarter-finals of the European Championships.

If Gunnarsson was hoping for a dream move to an exotic European league, it did not materialise, but their loss was very much Cardiff’s gain. Although he did only agree to another year, so the whole process is set to repeat again this season as his contract expires with those of Jazz Richards and Bruno Ecuele Manga.

That, however, is a concern for another day and Gunnarsson’s Cardiff fate is sure to be tied up with whether or not Premier League status is retained. The chances of that have significantly improved now that he has returned to fitness.

Next up is a daunting trip to Anfield to face a resurgent Liverpool and it will be fascinating to see how a buoyant Cardiff will fare. Once they get that out of the way, they face a run of kinder games in the lead up to Christmas. Leicester, Brighton, Wolves and Southampton at home, plus Everton, West Ham and Watford away should go a long way towards proving whether or not they belong at this level.

Chances are that, barring injuries and suspensions, the team that started against Fulham may well get the nod for the foreseeable future.

With Ralls still suspended and Arter on the verge of a ban, Gunnarsson’s return from the wilderness to prove the doubters wrong could not have been timed any better.

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He’s played 70 mins against s poor Fulham Liverpool will be a better test

It’s no coincidence that Camarasa had his best game for the club with Gunnarsson playing.

I didn't think he was overly great on Saturday maybe it's just me. I don't get all this gunnarrson stuff hes average at best.

Always liked Gunners - agree with much of what the poster says about his influence. Don't really care that his comeback came against Fulham - he did well, worked hard, pressed the opposition and passed the ball with calm composure for the most part.
We hadn't won a game up until then and I'm not saying the result is down to Gunners but considering how long he'd been out he didn't look at all rusty.
Agreed the ante will be raised a fair few notches at Anfield but the whole team will have to be right up for it to compete.
Pleased that Gunnar is available again. You don't get to captain your country if you're an average player.

I didn't think he was overly great on Saturday maybe it's just me. I don't get all this gunnarrson stuff hes average at best.

He’s much better then average. He’s the leader of our squad and he does the player who does the shit jobs so that the other players can concentrate on doing there’s

I didn't think he was overly great on Saturday maybe it's just me. I don't get all this gunnarrson stuff hes average at best.

He’s much better then average. He’s the leader of our squad and he does the player who does the shit jobs so that the other players can concentrate on doing there’s

Fair comments.

I don't think it was in anyway ridiculous for some fans to doubt Gunnarsson.

He struggled last season and it was no coincidence that by far our best spell of results was when he was out and Gruijic was in. Gunnarsson hadn't looked great up until then and the immediate change quickly identified the limitations we had with him in the team.

Also, by his own admission, injuries were taking their toll and he actually said that he couldn't/wouldn't sign up to another Championship season. That not only questioned his fitness but also commitment to the club, particularly when he often seemed to be injured for us yet managed to play in the World Cup for his country.

All that said: if he consistently plays like he did on Saturday then he is well worth his place in the first IX. All season we have been hammered by the opposition being able to run through our midfield and straight at our centre backs exposing them. Ralls is simply not a holding midfield player and Gunnarsson provided that cover and, more importantly, ensured that Camarasa and Arter were able to look ahead of them rather than behind them.

I don't think it's any coincidence that Arter didn't actually get booked on Saturday, it's because he knew that Gunnarsson was there to clear up behind him.

Don't forget though, he's played one game, he needs to continue for a run of 5 or so before we can be confident that he can do a job at this level.

So whilst it's great to see him back and the shape of the team looks much better, an article criticising people who questioned him and his ability is taking rose tinted glasses to the extreme !!

So come on Gunnar, prove us doubters wrong and have the season of your life to keep us up

I don't think it was in anyway ridiculous for some fans to doubt Gunnarsson.

He struggled last season and it was no coincidence that by far our best spell of results was when he was out and Gruijic was in. Gunnarsson hadn't looked great up until then and the immediate change quickly identified the limitations we had with him in the team.

We were top of the league in October before he was injured.

I don't think it was in anyway ridiculous for some fans to doubt Gunnarsson.

He struggled last season and it was no coincidence that by far our best spell of results was when he was out and Gruijic was in. Gunnarsson hadn't looked great up until then and the immediate change quickly identified the limitations we had with him in the team.

Also, by his own admission, injuries were taking their toll and he actually said that he couldn't/wouldn't sign up to another Championship season. That not only questioned his fitness but also commitment to the club, particularly when he often seemed to be injured for us yet managed to play in the World Cup for his country.

All that said: if he consistently plays like he did on Saturday then he is well worth his place in the first IX. All season we have been hammered by the opposition being able to run through our midfield and straight at our centre backs exposing them. Ralls is simply not a holding midfield player and Gunnarsson provided that cover and, more importantly, ensured that Camarasa and Arter were able to look ahead of them rather than behind them.

I don't think it's any coincidence that Arter didn't actually get booked on Saturday, it's because he knew that Gunnarsson was there to clear up behind him.

Don't forget though, he's played one game, he needs to continue for a run of 5 or so before we can be confident that he can do a job at this level.

So whilst it's great to see him back and the shape of the team looks much better, an article criticising people who questioned him and his ability is taking rose tinted glasses to the extreme !!

So come on Gunnar, prove us doubters wrong and have the season of your life to keep us up

I don't think it was in anyway ridiculous for some fans to doubt Gunnarsson.

He struggled last season and it was no coincidence that by far our best spell of results was when he was out and Gruijic was in. Gunnarsson hadn't looked great up until then and the immediate change quickly identified the limitations we had with him in the team.

We were top of the league in October before he was injured.

We were, but that spell of 10 games Jan-Mar was the best football and run of results of the season.

All I'm saying is that it was right to question Gunnarsson, on injuries and form, the original article is basically saying he's proved all critics wrong after one performance following a lengthy period out with injury. I hope that's right, but I'll wait a little longer before being convinced thanks.

I don't think it was in anyway ridiculous for some fans to doubt Gunnarsson.

He struggled last season and it was no coincidence that by far our best spell of results was when he was out and Gruijic was in. Gunnarsson hadn't looked great up until then and the immediate change quickly identified the limitations we had with him in the team.

We were top of the league in October before he was injured.

We were, but that spell of 10 games Jan-Mar was the best football and run of results of the season.

All I'm saying is that it was right to question Gunnarsson, on injuries and form, the original article is basically saying he's proved all critics wrong after one performance following a lengthy period out with injury. I hope that's right, but I'll wait a little longer before being convinced thanks.

yeah and i like Gunners but i also dont disagree with you really. i just think the general consensus over him was extremely harsh. When he was in the team and fit last season we rolled Villa, Leeds and Wolves over, your right about the run of results, but i think we played our best stuff in Aug-Oct, and he was a big part of that for me.

I don't think it was in anyway ridiculous for some fans to doubt Gunnarsson.

He struggled last season and it was no coincidence that by far our best spell of results was when he was out and Gruijic was in. Gunnarsson hadn't looked great up until then and the immediate change quickly identified the limitations we had with him in the team.

We were top of the league in October before he was injured.

We were, but that spell of 10 games Jan-Mar was the best football and run of results of the season.

All I'm saying is that it was right to question Gunnarsson, on injuries and form, the original article is basically saying he's proved all critics wrong after one performance following a lengthy period out with injury. I hope that's right, but I'll wait a little longer before being convinced thanks.

that run of games also included just the 1 win against a team that finished in the top 8....maybe..? the turn in form just happened to coincide with playing much better teams..? and it just happened that they came in a relatively short space of time......with 20 games to go if your going to look for games your going to drop points ..Wolves at home {the best team in our league }..and the 4 clubs left to play with the best home records wouldn't be a bad shout would it..




well at least I always thought who you play has a massive effect and likely result and hoped we might pick up more points now we have the big clubs out of the way..but eh oh who knows maybe it is all Gunners fault..

He had a decent game against a very poor Fulham.

People were right to question Gunnars worth going into this season, one swallow doesn't make a doesn't make a summer.

I don't know why people can't just focus on the here and now and take the positive.

It's a poor and divisive article at a time when the Club, fans and Squad seem in unity.

The only one to look ridiculous will be Johnson if we end up going down and Gunnars doesn't kick on which I obviously hope doesn't happen.

Articles like this for me are pointless but it's his job I guess.

He had a decent game against a very poor Fulham.

People were right to question Gunnars worth going into this season, one swallow doesn't make a doesn't make a summer.

I don't know why people can't just focus on the here and now and take the positive.

It's a poor and divisive article at a time when the Club, fans and Squad seem in unity.

The only one to look ridiculous will be Johnson if we end up going down and Gunnars doesn't kick on which I obviously hope doesn't happen.

Articles like this for me are pointless but it's his job I guess.

7 years and around 250 pretty good apps for us is hardly one swallow making a summer..

as for going down and Gunner kicking on....we are second favs to go down , its what most people think will happen with or without Gunner or any other player from our squad playing or not playing...Gunner, well he is what he is , like most of our squad if not all its very much a suck it and see season where some will fare better than others in whats a step up for all of them..to single out this fella was way more than rediculous and lets be honest divisive..

I'm not sure why you constantly feel the need to re-invent posts to suit yourself but my one swallow not making a summer was clearly talking about THIS season and the kicking on coment relating to whether he can take that performance into the rest of the season at THIS level.

The article is what it is. Clearly there is a mixed opinion on him. For me I had no problem in people questioning his injury record last season. You can't argue there is a concern that's even moved on into this season. What I couldn't understand is people questioning his ability and commitment. He's a leader on the pitch and his experience in that position with us and Iceland is massive. I disagree with previous comments about us playing the best football when he wasnt playing!! We did go on a brilliant wining run from Jan however some of the football was scrappy at best. The best football we played was at the start of the season before he got injured when we blew Villa, Wolves & Leeds apart with fast attacking football. Id argue that it was him playing the holding role that allowed Mendez, Hoilett and KZ to rip opposition apart with their pace. To be fair the start of last season was not far off the perfomance we produced Saturday vs Fulham.

It's an easy argument for me until Jan comes he's the only player in our whole squad who can play that position and stop Bamba & Morrison getting exposed!! He needs to be managed carefully to ensure he remains fit.

The article is what it is. Clearly there is a mixed opinion on him. For me I had no problem in people questioning his injury record last season. You can't argue there is a concern that's even moved on into this season. What I couldn't understand is people questioning his ability and commitment. He's a leader on the pitch and his experience in that position with us and Iceland is massive. I disagree with previous comments about us playing the best football when he wasnt playing!! We did go on a brilliant wining run from Jan however some of the football was scrappy at best. The best football we played was at the start of the season before he got injured when we blew Villa, Wolves & Leeds apart with fast attacking football. Id argue that it was him playing the holding role that allowed Mendez, Hoilett and KZ to rip opposition apart with their pace. To be fair the start of last season was not far off the perfomance we produced Saturday vs Fulham.

It's an easy argument for me until Jan comes he's the only player in our whole squad who can play that position and stop Bamba & Morrison getting exposed!! He needs to be managed carefully to ensure he remains fit.

Agree wholeheartedly Nicko, very good post