Finally we have a little positivity to report! Also, some of the pundits are starting to acknowledge that we might not be quite as much of a hopeless case as was first thought! I'm not getting carried away here, and the odds are still probably in favour of us being relegated this season, but its amazing what a win can do for a team and supporters.
Its been a tough start to the season, especially as 5 of our last 7 matches have been against teams in the "Top 6". These games are always going to be difficult against world class players, many of whom cost more individually than our whole team put together. As we approach November and December, we now have almost 2 months until we play a top 6 team. If we're going to avoid relegation this season, then results in the next couple of months need to start going our way.
Results since the last blog:-
CARDIFF 1 BURNLEY 2
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 CARDIFF 0
CARDIFF 4 FULHAM 2
LIVERPOOL 4 CARDIFF 1.
After the comprehensive defeat by Man City a week previously (the only game so far where we have been completely out of our depth), the game against Burnley was looked upon as a much easier alternative. Burnley had had a difficult start to the season, juggling around the demands of the Europa League with the Premier League. At times they have looked poor, and it was this that made the match so much more frustrating! After being out played by many of our opponents this season, this time it was our turn to outplay them! But we then managed to lose, despite dominating possession, chances and just about any other statistic in the game. Burnley had 2 attempts on goal and scored from them both. A slightly disheartening defeat 2-1.
A week later was a trip to Wembley, which remains the temporary home of Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs had had a European tie earlier in the week, albeit at home, which it was hoped might have affected their performance. Unfortunately an early Eric Dier goal proved to be enough on another encouraging afternoon for the Bluebirds. This was the first time that any of the TV pundits actually gave us any credit, suggesting that we could have easily got at least a point from the match. But it wasn't to be. Unfortunately, Joe Ralls managed to pick up a red card in this match for a rather reckless tackle on Lucas Mora. The club decided to try to appeal this red card but were unsuccessful - the right decision in my opinion.
Josh Murphy is thwarted for a second goal against Burnley by former England number 1 Joe Hart.
After the comprehensive defeat by Man City a week previously (the only game so far where we have been completely out of our depth), the game against Burnley was looked upon as a much easier alternative. Burnley had had a difficult start to the season, juggling around the demands of the Europa League with the Premier League. At times they have looked poor, and it was this that made the match so much more frustrating! After being out played by many of our opponents this season, this time it was our turn to outplay them! But we then managed to lose, despite dominating possession, chances and just about any other statistic in the game. Burnley had 2 attempts on goal and scored from them both. A slightly disheartening defeat 2-1.
A week later was a trip to Wembley, which remains the temporary home of Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs had had a European tie earlier in the week, albeit at home, which it was hoped might have affected their performance. Unfortunately an early Eric Dier goal proved to be enough on another encouraging afternoon for the Bluebirds. This was the first time that any of the TV pundits actually gave us any credit, suggesting that we could have easily got at least a point from the match. But it wasn't to be. Unfortunately, Joe Ralls managed to pick up a red card in this match for a rather reckless tackle on Lucas Mora. The club decided to try to appeal this red card but were unsuccessful - the right decision in my opinion.
Joe Ralls brings down Lucas Moura.
The home game to Fulham was now considered to be a "must win" game, even though less than a quarter of the season had passed! The team were certainly up for the game and completely dominated the first 10 minutes, only for Fulham to score completely against the run of play with an outstanding goal after only 10 minutes. but within a further 10 minutes we were back in front 2-1 thanks to goals from Josh Murphy and Bobby Decordova-Reid.
Bobby Decordova-Reid celebrates his first Premier League goal against Fulham.
Then followed the customary goal by Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon, who has played against us 5 times and scored in every game! 2-2 at half time, but in the second half the Bluebirds continued to apply the pressured were rewarded with goals from makeshift (?) striker Callum Paterson and a late clincher from Kadeem Harris.
Before we get too carried away, we must remember that Fulham were very poor in this game and defensively were very inept. but this was a positive performance by the Bluebirds and achieved a much deserved win. We were even the second game on Match of the Day, where yet again the pundits were encouraging.
Callum Paterson scores at Anfield.
So, after our first win of the season, there followed a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, joint favourites to win the Premier League this season. Liverpool haven't lost a Premier League game there for a long time, and hadn't conceded a home goal for 10 matches. I'm told that a 4-1 Liverpool win flattered the home side a little, and we caused them a little consternation when Callum Paterson scored for the second game running to reduce the deficit to 2-1. But another honourable loss.
THE LEICESTER GAME
Last Saturday evening the owner of Leicester City Football club was killed in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium. After much consideration and after consulting the Leicester players, their next game will be against the Bluebirds at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow (3rd November 2018). It is bound to be an emotional occasion, and I'm sure that the Cardiff fans will support their football family from Leicester.
Floral tributes outside the Kingpower stadium this week.
I've always felt that we have a lot in common with Leicester - a similar sized city with a team playing in blue and white. Their Premier League win 2 years ago gives hope to us smaller teams that big money will not always win out, and there is always a slim chance that a club like Cardiff could also win the Premier League one day. Its nearly 5 years since we played them last, as they got promoted to the Premier League in the season we got relegated. when we first moved into the Cardiff City Stadium we seemed to be playing them regularly, as there were playoff games and at least 3 cup ties all within a couple of seasons! It will undoubtedly be an emotional occasion.
