Cardiff City's win over fellow strugglers Wigan last night might just be the biggest of the season. A huge sense of relief chorused over me when I saw the 'FT' sign pop up next to our name on Sky Sports News. Aaron Gunnarsson scored the only goal of the game to give city a vital win at the DW Stadium. In my earlier blog, I said I wanted us to dominate a poor Wigan side. We did not do that, but again we worked hard defensively for points, which is a very encouraging sign. You have to graft in the championship, and you also have to ride to ride your luck. We did both last night.
Twice Wigan put the ball ion pour net and it was wrongly ruled out for offside. Again, sometimes our tactics were negative, with City only having 40% possession against a Wigan side that are renowned for being a team that struggles to hold on to the ball. Of course I want us to play more positive and attacking football, but when you are at Wigan on a cold Tuesday night, you just need to get the job done in any way possible.
I think this win clears us of relegation, which I'm extremely relieved about. One or two people are saying that we have a decent chance of making the play-offs after this win. I would have to disagree with this. Yes, it's possible, but I have seen every team that occupy the top 6 places this season, and they all looked far better than us.
Any win is a good win, but let's not get carried away. In no way did we dominate Wigan, who I think are destined for relegation this season. In my heart I would say that it was a fully deserved win and that we dominated Wigan, bit we didn't. In fact, it's hard to recall a time when from the first whistle to the last we've outplayed a team. That's the next step that we need to strive to take.
Most people and sites are reporting that the 350 Cardiff City fans who made the long journey to Lancashire clapped ex city boss Malky Mackay and sung his name throughout the first half, which was good to hear. I'm only a kid, so I'm not really sure what to make of all the controversy surrounding Mackay and our owner Vincent Tan, bit I will never forget some of the memories that Malky helped bring to me during his 3 seasons at the club.
Something that I'm starting to realise about our new striker Eoin Doyle is that he is sacrificing goals for the good of the team. He works hard, creates plenty of chances and when he does have a shot on goal he is denied by a wonderful save. I'm sure that once luck is on his side the goals will flow. His partnership with fellow striker Kenwyne Jones is flourishing and at times they have shown real signs of understanding.
Our next opponents are Wolves at home on Saturday. It will be a very tough game, and when the two sides met earlier in the season a desperately unlucky Mark Hudson (now at Huddersfield) gave Wolves the win with a last minute own goal. Our vistors have play-off aspirations and danger men like Bakary Sako need to be kept tightly under wraps.
Regardless of the result last night and whatever the score is on Saturday, I'm still convinced that Russell Slade is not the right man to lead this club forward. However, I'll back him until his last day in charge and I'll be at Cardiff City Stadium to cheer on the boys to another win. Hopefully, anyway...
Wednesday 25 February 2015
Monday 23 February 2015
Hotting Up
After another absorbing but controversial weekend of premier league action, the stakes are increasing and the league is hotting up. Whether you support Leicester or Chelsea, every side needs to up their game in order to reach the required goals. This stage of the season is crucial. Teams scrap for precious points as players play for their futures and managers try to convince owners that they are the right man for the job.
I will start with the top. Chelsea currently occupy top spot on merit. The blues have played some dazzling football and have rarely looked like slipping off top spot. They did have rare bad day on Saturday though with a 1-1 draw with Burnley not what Jose Mourinho would have expected from his star-studded side. I believe that they will win the title. Players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have stole the headlines, but defensive enforcer Nemanja Matic has been a revelation this year.
Close behind them in second are Manchester City, the holders of the premier league. This season has been a mixed bag for City, with a few uncharacteristic performances this year. However, they are by no means out of the title race, and with quality like Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva, can harm any team in the world on their day.
The top 4 race is also an intriguing battle. It looks like Southampton, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham look the most likely sides to claim the crucial spot. I think Liverpool will claim it. They are just starting to gain momentum and their 0-2 win at Southampton yesterday sent out a message to the rest of the league saying they mean business. United are a team that still haven't settled down under Louis Van Gaal. Players like Robin Van Persie and Falcao are mis-firing and the way they are playing, I can't see them holding down a top 4 place.
The relegation battle is also really starting to hot up. Every team from 20th placed Leicester to 12th placed Everton are still needing points to ensure safety. Leicester, Burnley and Hull all picked up crucial points on the weekend that could have a major influence on the final standings.
I was especially impressed with Leicester in their 2-2 draw at Everton on Sunday, where they could have taken all 3. They showed promise in every area with Matty James having another solid performance in midfield. David Nugent also made a difference when he came on. He deservedly got his goal and worked hard for the cause. If they can carry on that level of performance then there is no reason why they can't stay in the division.
A team I have been impressed with throughout the season is Burnley. They struggled at the start of the season, but after a fantastic win over Southampton, they have produced some cracking performances. Danny Ings has been a reliable source of goals and keeper Tom Heaton has been outstanding. Manager Sean Dyche has done brilliantly on a very low budget. I genuinely think that they will stay in the league.
Obviously I haven't had time to cram every team into this blog, but many other teams have a lot to play for. The premier league is likely to throw up many more surprises and brilliant matches before the end of the season, and I can't wait to see the action unfold.
I will start with the top. Chelsea currently occupy top spot on merit. The blues have played some dazzling football and have rarely looked like slipping off top spot. They did have rare bad day on Saturday though with a 1-1 draw with Burnley not what Jose Mourinho would have expected from his star-studded side. I believe that they will win the title. Players like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa have stole the headlines, but defensive enforcer Nemanja Matic has been a revelation this year.
Close behind them in second are Manchester City, the holders of the premier league. This season has been a mixed bag for City, with a few uncharacteristic performances this year. However, they are by no means out of the title race, and with quality like Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva, can harm any team in the world on their day.
The top 4 race is also an intriguing battle. It looks like Southampton, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham look the most likely sides to claim the crucial spot. I think Liverpool will claim it. They are just starting to gain momentum and their 0-2 win at Southampton yesterday sent out a message to the rest of the league saying they mean business. United are a team that still haven't settled down under Louis Van Gaal. Players like Robin Van Persie and Falcao are mis-firing and the way they are playing, I can't see them holding down a top 4 place.
The relegation battle is also really starting to hot up. Every team from 20th placed Leicester to 12th placed Everton are still needing points to ensure safety. Leicester, Burnley and Hull all picked up crucial points on the weekend that could have a major influence on the final standings.
I was especially impressed with Leicester in their 2-2 draw at Everton on Sunday, where they could have taken all 3. They showed promise in every area with Matty James having another solid performance in midfield. David Nugent also made a difference when he came on. He deservedly got his goal and worked hard for the cause. If they can carry on that level of performance then there is no reason why they can't stay in the division.
A team I have been impressed with throughout the season is Burnley. They struggled at the start of the season, but after a fantastic win over Southampton, they have produced some cracking performances. Danny Ings has been a reliable source of goals and keeper Tom Heaton has been outstanding. Manager Sean Dyche has done brilliantly on a very low budget. I genuinely think that they will stay in the league.
Obviously I haven't had time to cram every team into this blog, but many other teams have a lot to play for. The premier league is likely to throw up many more surprises and brilliant matches before the end of the season, and I can't wait to see the action unfold.
Sunday 22 February 2015
Slowly But Surely
For Cardiff City, any point is a decent one at the moment. We need to fight for every point we can get at this point in time, and the 450 hardy souls who travelled to Huddersfield saw a glimmer of the fighting spirit we need to steer us out of trouble.
You can't help but be underwhelmed with our lack of attacking intent recently, and that didn't change on Saturday, but the main thing is that we got something out of the game. It was never going to be easy. Many pundits said that city were going to have to scrap for the points, and at times the bluebirds did that.
There are still a few dreamers who think the play-off are not out of reach. For them, this is surely two points dropped. But for people like me who are far more concerned about survival this season, it is a fairly good point. We went to a tough place to go and grafted for the point. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective.
However, the stats don't lie, and they're not pretty. We have become accustomed to being dominated in terms of possession, and today was no different. It went 61-39 in Huddersfield's favour. It's something that we are seeing to often under Russell Slade. We have the players to go out and dominate teams, but we're to scared that we'll lose. We need to be brave and see if we can control a game.
The draw also means that we have only won once in 13 attempts. That's not acceptable for a team that were dubbed "the best squad the best squad the championship has ever seen." In fact, it's relegation form. That needs to change quickly.
A win could come at Wigan on Tuesday, and I believe if we took 3 points at the DW Stadium, it would almost guarantee safety. However, that won't be an easy game. I was watching Wigan Warriors (rugby league team) play last night at the DW stadium, and let's just say the pitch was not in the best condition. In fact, it was nothing sort of atrocious. It will be difficult to play any type of passing football, but then again, I hardly think we will be using that tactic on Tuesday!
Wigan are in huge relegation trouble and very low on confidence. They looked very poor in a 0-3 home loss to Charlton on Friday, and I would be very disappointed if we failed to take 3 points on Tuesday. They are managed by ex bluebird boss Malky Mackay. Forget all the controversy over his texts to Iain Moody, I will forever be thankful to him for what he did for the club.
I would swap Craig Noone for exciting prospect Kadeem Harris on Tuesday night. Noone has been abject this season, and looks like he desperately needs a rest. Other than that, I would name an unchanged side for the Wigan game. I think we will stop the rot here and claim a 0-2 win.
I don't think we will go down this season, but I'm adamant that Russell Slade has to go at the end of the season, wherever we finish. The football is poor and we are not picking up enough wins. Let's hope both of those things can change on Tuesday.
You can't help but be underwhelmed with our lack of attacking intent recently, and that didn't change on Saturday, but the main thing is that we got something out of the game. It was never going to be easy. Many pundits said that city were going to have to scrap for the points, and at times the bluebirds did that.
There are still a few dreamers who think the play-off are not out of reach. For them, this is surely two points dropped. But for people like me who are far more concerned about survival this season, it is a fairly good point. We went to a tough place to go and grafted for the point. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective.
However, the stats don't lie, and they're not pretty. We have become accustomed to being dominated in terms of possession, and today was no different. It went 61-39 in Huddersfield's favour. It's something that we are seeing to often under Russell Slade. We have the players to go out and dominate teams, but we're to scared that we'll lose. We need to be brave and see if we can control a game.
The draw also means that we have only won once in 13 attempts. That's not acceptable for a team that were dubbed "the best squad the best squad the championship has ever seen." In fact, it's relegation form. That needs to change quickly.
A win could come at Wigan on Tuesday, and I believe if we took 3 points at the DW Stadium, it would almost guarantee safety. However, that won't be an easy game. I was watching Wigan Warriors (rugby league team) play last night at the DW stadium, and let's just say the pitch was not in the best condition. In fact, it was nothing sort of atrocious. It will be difficult to play any type of passing football, but then again, I hardly think we will be using that tactic on Tuesday!
Wigan are in huge relegation trouble and very low on confidence. They looked very poor in a 0-3 home loss to Charlton on Friday, and I would be very disappointed if we failed to take 3 points on Tuesday. They are managed by ex bluebird boss Malky Mackay. Forget all the controversy over his texts to Iain Moody, I will forever be thankful to him for what he did for the club.
I would swap Craig Noone for exciting prospect Kadeem Harris on Tuesday night. Noone has been abject this season, and looks like he desperately needs a rest. Other than that, I would name an unchanged side for the Wigan game. I think we will stop the rot here and claim a 0-2 win.
I don't think we will go down this season, but I'm adamant that Russell Slade has to go at the end of the season, wherever we finish. The football is poor and we are not picking up enough wins. Let's hope both of those things can change on Tuesday.
Wednesday 18 February 2015
Better From The Bluebirds
In the end, Cardiff City could only take a point against Blackburn Rovers, but it was a much improved team display to what we have been used to over the past couple of months. There were two changes to the city side that were under par against Brighton last week, with Eoin Doyle and Matthew Kennedy coming in for Stuart O Keffe and Conor Mcaleny.
Before the game, I felt fairly optimistic, going for a 1-1 draw when asked by my Dad. City old boys Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway lined up for Blackburn, and Gestede won most headers during the match. It was good to see them receive nice reception form the bluebirds faithful.
We started the game on the front foot without creating any clear cut chances. Our passing was crisper and we were moving the ball to wide areas more frequently, instead of the routine hoof up to Kenwyne Jones. The exciting strike partnership of Eoin Doyle and Jones was showing some nice touches, with Kenwyne winning flick-ons a lot when the ball was in the air. Rovers didn't really settle into the game in the first half, and they were a stark contrast from the team that beat Stoke on Saturday.
City's danger man was new boy Matthew Kennedy who was direct and dangerous throughout. He took on his full back on numerous occasions and injected some much needed pace into the side. It was really good to see a player who knew when to run and pass. He did the simple things so well.
The first half ended with no goals, but it was a much improved performance. Eoin Doyle had a shot cleared off the line in the middle of the half. Our play was more fluent, but if I was being picky, I would have liked to have seen us create a few more chances.
The second half started with Blackburn controlling the play a lot more than in the first period. For 5 minutes, we had to defend and weather the storm, but the visitors never really looked like scoring.
The second half was pretty even, but I felt we just shaded it. Peter Whittingham controlled the game, something we haven't seen from him for a while. Kennedy carried o looking potent, and Lee Peltier put in a solid performance.
In the 84th minute, Sean Morrison headed past the Blackburn goalkeeper, Steele, to send the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures. But just when I thought we were heading for precious three points, a defensive blunder cost us the win. Scott Malone took one for the team with a heroic goal line clearance to prevent a certain goal, only for team mate Craig Noone to slip and put the goal on a plate for ex city man Rudy Gestede to finish. My heart sank a million miles!
In the end, the points were shared, but it was great to see city put in a good display and the crowd getting behind them. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game at the Cardiff City Stadium like I did yesterday. New head coach Paul Trollope certainly made a difference technically, with less "hoofball" tactics being implemented.
We face a tough game away at Huddersfield on Saturday. It certainly won't be easy, but I definitely see this as a game we can get something out of. We need to carry on with these positive tactics in the coming weeks, and I think it's vital that we see a similar side to last night being used.
Before the game, I felt fairly optimistic, going for a 1-1 draw when asked by my Dad. City old boys Rudy Gestede and Craig Conway lined up for Blackburn, and Gestede won most headers during the match. It was good to see them receive nice reception form the bluebirds faithful.
We started the game on the front foot without creating any clear cut chances. Our passing was crisper and we were moving the ball to wide areas more frequently, instead of the routine hoof up to Kenwyne Jones. The exciting strike partnership of Eoin Doyle and Jones was showing some nice touches, with Kenwyne winning flick-ons a lot when the ball was in the air. Rovers didn't really settle into the game in the first half, and they were a stark contrast from the team that beat Stoke on Saturday.
City's danger man was new boy Matthew Kennedy who was direct and dangerous throughout. He took on his full back on numerous occasions and injected some much needed pace into the side. It was really good to see a player who knew when to run and pass. He did the simple things so well.
The first half ended with no goals, but it was a much improved performance. Eoin Doyle had a shot cleared off the line in the middle of the half. Our play was more fluent, but if I was being picky, I would have liked to have seen us create a few more chances.
The second half started with Blackburn controlling the play a lot more than in the first period. For 5 minutes, we had to defend and weather the storm, but the visitors never really looked like scoring.
The second half was pretty even, but I felt we just shaded it. Peter Whittingham controlled the game, something we haven't seen from him for a while. Kennedy carried o looking potent, and Lee Peltier put in a solid performance.
In the 84th minute, Sean Morrison headed past the Blackburn goalkeeper, Steele, to send the Cardiff City Stadium into raptures. But just when I thought we were heading for precious three points, a defensive blunder cost us the win. Scott Malone took one for the team with a heroic goal line clearance to prevent a certain goal, only for team mate Craig Noone to slip and put the goal on a plate for ex city man Rudy Gestede to finish. My heart sank a million miles!
In the end, the points were shared, but it was great to see city put in a good display and the crowd getting behind them. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a game at the Cardiff City Stadium like I did yesterday. New head coach Paul Trollope certainly made a difference technically, with less "hoofball" tactics being implemented.
We face a tough game away at Huddersfield on Saturday. It certainly won't be easy, but I definitely see this as a game we can get something out of. We need to carry on with these positive tactics in the coming weeks, and I think it's vital that we see a similar side to last night being used.
Monday 16 February 2015
Time To Step Up
After a disastrous campaign so far in the championship, Cardiff City enter the crunch period in the domestic season very low on confidence. Last Tuesday's dire 0-0 draw at home to fellow strugglers Brighton summed up the season. Never have I seen such a boring and un-inspiring performance from the bluebirds.
A big improvement is needed, starting with tomorrow night's game at home to Blackburn. Our visitors are on a high after a hugely impressive 4-1 victory over Stoke on Saturday in the F.A cup. However, fatigue could come into play as the bluebirds haven't played since last Tuesday. Rovers haven't won a game on the road in 9 outings, but knowing our luck, that will probably end tomorrow!
I thought our defence was reasonably solid last week, but it was our poor attacking display that let us down. We didn't create any clear cut chances and rarely took the game by the scruff of the neck. Brighton were there for the taking, it was a game that we could of got more out of, and had our tactics been more positive and attacking minded, I think we would of.
We seem scared to attack teams and risk conceding a goal in order to score one, which worry's me. The style of play is also a very concerning sign. We have players that have the ability to play fast, attacking football. I don't mind the odd long ball, but it's getting to a point where every time a city player gets the ball, I expect it to be aimlessly hoofed down the pitch.
Now is a time where we need our leaders to step up. People like Bruno Ecuele Manga, Peter Whittingham and David Marshall have to demand an extra 10% from the players around them. Every player wearing the blue and white of Cardiff City need to fight for the badge on their chest. If every player gives 100% and we still lose, then that's fine, but it's when I see players not even trying that gets on my nerves.
I don't think Russell Slade is the right man for the job, and I have no doubt that the club will go backwards until his reign ends. However, I don't think now is the time to show him the door. I would not be disappointed if I wake up tomorrow morning and finds that he has been sacked, but I would stick with him until the end of the season. I think we'll just about stay up this season, and sacking him now would put a whole new cloud of uncertainty over the club. I think we should get rid of Slade at the end of the season, whatever league we're in.
In my opinion, we also need a clear-out in the summer. Players who aren't kicking a ball and the egomaniacs within our squad need to go.
I think that if we have the right manager and direction, we could mount a promotion push within the next couple of years. We need everyone pulling in the right direction, which I believe won't happen with Slade at the helm.
Anyway, onto the game tomorrow. In all honesty, I can't see us getting a win tomorrow. Blackburn are a very good side and we just don't look like a championship side at the moment. I don't see where we are going to score a goal. Game on game our main threat is a set piece, which really concerns me. Also, Blackburn were nothing short of brilliant on Saturday when they demolished Stoke to reach the quarter finals of the cup. They did it with star man Jordan Rhodes on the bench as well, with Joshua King netting a hat- rick alongside fellow striker Rudy Gestede's penalty.
We have a chance to pick up a few points in the coming games after tomorrow night, with games at Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds all looking winnable. I want us to be attacking in those games and use the talents of attacking players such as Eoin Doyle, Craig Noone and Kenwyne Jones to hurt the opposition. I would prefer to try and beat teams than too sit back and hope for a draw.
The coming weeks may well go a long way to defining our season. We need everyone to get behind the team, but that works both ways. The boys in blue need to give everything to the cause. We need a quick revival, and it must start tomorrow.
A big improvement is needed, starting with tomorrow night's game at home to Blackburn. Our visitors are on a high after a hugely impressive 4-1 victory over Stoke on Saturday in the F.A cup. However, fatigue could come into play as the bluebirds haven't played since last Tuesday. Rovers haven't won a game on the road in 9 outings, but knowing our luck, that will probably end tomorrow!
I thought our defence was reasonably solid last week, but it was our poor attacking display that let us down. We didn't create any clear cut chances and rarely took the game by the scruff of the neck. Brighton were there for the taking, it was a game that we could of got more out of, and had our tactics been more positive and attacking minded, I think we would of.
We seem scared to attack teams and risk conceding a goal in order to score one, which worry's me. The style of play is also a very concerning sign. We have players that have the ability to play fast, attacking football. I don't mind the odd long ball, but it's getting to a point where every time a city player gets the ball, I expect it to be aimlessly hoofed down the pitch.
Now is a time where we need our leaders to step up. People like Bruno Ecuele Manga, Peter Whittingham and David Marshall have to demand an extra 10% from the players around them. Every player wearing the blue and white of Cardiff City need to fight for the badge on their chest. If every player gives 100% and we still lose, then that's fine, but it's when I see players not even trying that gets on my nerves.
I don't think Russell Slade is the right man for the job, and I have no doubt that the club will go backwards until his reign ends. However, I don't think now is the time to show him the door. I would not be disappointed if I wake up tomorrow morning and finds that he has been sacked, but I would stick with him until the end of the season. I think we'll just about stay up this season, and sacking him now would put a whole new cloud of uncertainty over the club. I think we should get rid of Slade at the end of the season, whatever league we're in.
In my opinion, we also need a clear-out in the summer. Players who aren't kicking a ball and the egomaniacs within our squad need to go.
I think that if we have the right manager and direction, we could mount a promotion push within the next couple of years. We need everyone pulling in the right direction, which I believe won't happen with Slade at the helm.
Anyway, onto the game tomorrow. In all honesty, I can't see us getting a win tomorrow. Blackburn are a very good side and we just don't look like a championship side at the moment. I don't see where we are going to score a goal. Game on game our main threat is a set piece, which really concerns me. Also, Blackburn were nothing short of brilliant on Saturday when they demolished Stoke to reach the quarter finals of the cup. They did it with star man Jordan Rhodes on the bench as well, with Joshua King netting a hat- rick alongside fellow striker Rudy Gestede's penalty.
We have a chance to pick up a few points in the coming games after tomorrow night, with games at Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds all looking winnable. I want us to be attacking in those games and use the talents of attacking players such as Eoin Doyle, Craig Noone and Kenwyne Jones to hurt the opposition. I would prefer to try and beat teams than too sit back and hope for a draw.
The coming weeks may well go a long way to defining our season. We need everyone to get behind the team, but that works both ways. The boys in blue need to give everything to the cause. We need a quick revival, and it must start tomorrow.
Friday 13 February 2015
Crunch Time
The question on the lips of many Welsh rugby fans after last Friday's disappointing defeat to England at the Millennium Stadium is how did we let it slip? Indeed, it was a crushing loss and no-one was more distraught than me. It seemed as if in the second half we couldn't handle England's physicality, which is a very worrying sign. We also didn't use our brilliant backline enough. It's hard to recall a time when Jonathan Davies, Alex Cuthbert or Jamie Roberts were given the ball in the right areas and looked threatening.
However, in the first half, we looked like the Wales team that we are all used to. Dogged, determined and threatening with ball in hand in the right areas. Players like Toby Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny really put a shift in and fought for the Welsh badge on their chest. We went in at the break in a 16-8 lead, and certainly looked like the team that would go on and win the match. But after the break, something changed in both sides. England came out with new belief. They looked hungry and to be honest we couldn't live with them.
When Jonathan Joseph ducked and weaved his way around 3 missed tackles, you sensed the momentum had swung their way. That try moved England within touching distance, and the boot of George Ford gave them a victory that we will never hear the end of!
Yes, it was gutting, but there are positives to take from the game. In the first half, we had control against a strong team, and on another day, would have pushed on to win the game. Theoretically, the championship is still wide open. If we win all our remaining games, which is not impossible, we have a decent chance of reclaiming the title that belongs in the "land of rugby", don't we?
What is important if we want to do well this year, is that we move on from this result quickly. We face a tough test at Murrayfield on Sunday. Scotland are starting to look like a side who can give most international sides a decent game. They went to France last week and made the French work hard for their victory, sometimes showing signs that they could win the game themselves. They have a fantastic backline, with Laidlaw, Hogg, Lamont, Fife and Visser all very able players.
In the forwards, the two Gray brothers will be a handful, with both looking good in Paris last week. I think the game will be one and lost in the first 20 minutes. If we can get an early try and play with confidence from the outset, then I have no doubt that we will take a valuable win back to Wales. However, if the Scots get early momentum and the Murrayfield crowd back them, then we could have a great contest on our hands.
We will be without Samson Lee and George North, who are both concuss after the gruelling battle last week. North in particular took some nasty blows to the head. They will be replaced by Liam Williams and Aaron Jarvis, who in my opinion, both deserve the call-ups.
I hope that we play fluent rugby and really go after Scotland, if we do then I think we will win the game. Our back line has the ability to score tries for fun, and we have the forwards that will work hard to secure ball for them. Let's hope we can bounce back, come on Wales!
However, in the first half, we looked like the Wales team that we are all used to. Dogged, determined and threatening with ball in hand in the right areas. Players like Toby Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny really put a shift in and fought for the Welsh badge on their chest. We went in at the break in a 16-8 lead, and certainly looked like the team that would go on and win the match. But after the break, something changed in both sides. England came out with new belief. They looked hungry and to be honest we couldn't live with them.
When Jonathan Joseph ducked and weaved his way around 3 missed tackles, you sensed the momentum had swung their way. That try moved England within touching distance, and the boot of George Ford gave them a victory that we will never hear the end of!
Yes, it was gutting, but there are positives to take from the game. In the first half, we had control against a strong team, and on another day, would have pushed on to win the game. Theoretically, the championship is still wide open. If we win all our remaining games, which is not impossible, we have a decent chance of reclaiming the title that belongs in the "land of rugby", don't we?
What is important if we want to do well this year, is that we move on from this result quickly. We face a tough test at Murrayfield on Sunday. Scotland are starting to look like a side who can give most international sides a decent game. They went to France last week and made the French work hard for their victory, sometimes showing signs that they could win the game themselves. They have a fantastic backline, with Laidlaw, Hogg, Lamont, Fife and Visser all very able players.
In the forwards, the two Gray brothers will be a handful, with both looking good in Paris last week. I think the game will be one and lost in the first 20 minutes. If we can get an early try and play with confidence from the outset, then I have no doubt that we will take a valuable win back to Wales. However, if the Scots get early momentum and the Murrayfield crowd back them, then we could have a great contest on our hands.
We will be without Samson Lee and George North, who are both concuss after the gruelling battle last week. North in particular took some nasty blows to the head. They will be replaced by Liam Williams and Aaron Jarvis, who in my opinion, both deserve the call-ups.
I hope that we play fluent rugby and really go after Scotland, if we do then I think we will win the game. Our back line has the ability to score tries for fun, and we have the forwards that will work hard to secure ball for them. Let's hope we can bounce back, come on Wales!
Thursday 12 February 2015
Dismal Bluebirds
Dismal is the word that springs to mind when describing Cardiff City's season so far. I've attended every home game and two away games so far, and most of the time the football has been drab and dull. To many, our dire season has been a major surprise, with the bluebirds being tipped as title favourites after relegation from the premiership last season.
But after a summer upheaval, we struggled to settle and find our best team. There were good results with wins against teams such as Huddersfield and Wigan making the start to the season a tad more respectable. But the disastrous 2-4 defeat at the hands off Norwich proved the final nail in the coffin. Tan had seen enough, and Ole lost his job.
The early favourites for the job were the usual suspect: Pulis,Hughton, Steve Clark etc. But instead of a high profile new gaffer to kick us into shape, Vincent Tan appointed the well known name.... Russell Slade. Russell who I hear you ask. You know, Russell Slade, the Leyton Orient manager.
The early signs were good with Slade's first game being the 2-1 victory over then-leaders Nottingham Forest. But since then, everything has gone downhill. The bluebirds slumped to an awful 3-0 loss at Bolton, before following that up with a 0-0 draw at Birmingham. I was one of 2000 hardy souls who sang their hearts out at St Andrews, but to no avail. City looked dis-jointed at the back and there was no rhythm to our play. By then dreams o automatic promotion were slowly slipping away, but I still held the hope of a play off spot. We put a few good results together, beating Reading 2-1 and claiming our first away win of the season in a 0-1 victory over Watford.
However, it was plain for all to see that the performances were still not up to scratch, and if things didn't improve quickly, then city would be losing pace with the play off group.
The point for me when I realised that we were miles off promotion was when we drew at home to Rotherham 0-0. I recall that we had one clear cut chance at home against relegation contenders. Slade didn't know what to do to change things and our attempts to create chances came from long balls. Many city fans, including myself, booed the team off after the final whistle, because it was a dire display.
Then we slowly slid into mediocrity. We found ourselves 2-0 down at Bournemouth within 20 minutes, but showed a few fighting qualities in a game with we eventually lost 5-3. It said it all that after that match centre back Sean Morrison had overtaken 2 million pound striker Adam Le Fondre in the scoring charts. A 2-3 defeat at home to Brentford was probably on of the worst first half displays I've ever seen by city. It's a game I don't really want to go into in depth to be honest! And a 1-1 draw at the valley where we let 10 men Charlton come back into the game almost spoilt the Christmas festivities!
An awful result against Watford soon followed, and by this point many fans were calling for Slade's head. Only 5000 city fans decided to turn up for the fa cup 3rd round tie at home to Colchester, where the bluebirds ran out 3-1 winners.
Bun then it happened. What every city fan wanted. THE RETURN TO BLUE!! I returned home from a hard day at school to find that my beloved bluebirds were back in our rightful colours. It then came out that Vincent Tan's mother had told her son to make the change, which prompted many comical songs against Fulham the next day. The atmosphere at CCS for the game against Fulham was quite frankly unbelievable. Everyone was in a party mood, however, the football was more of the same. Adam Le Fondre's flick on gave us an early lead, but after that, nothing much happened! Still, it was 3 points.
But after the honeymoon period had finished, it was back to reality. And the reality is that at the moment Cardiff are a very poor side and are going backwards. 4 consecutive defeats at the hand of Norwich, Middlesbrough, Reading (in the cup) and Derby proceeded the Fulham victory, thus putting us in a relegation dogfight.
A slight improvement against Sheffield Wednesday gave us a glimmer of hope, but it soon died down after the dismal 0-0 home draw to Brighton, which was actually painful to watch!
Many fans don't like Slade because of some of his eccentric decisions such as leaving out top scorer Kenwyne Jones for the crucial home game to Derby. But for me, the main concern is the style of play which is clearly not working and is costing us points. It seems as if all the players know how to do is hoof the ball back to the opposition. That might have worked for Slade at Leyton Orient, but what is the point of having technical masters like Peter Whittingham, Craig Noone and Kadeem Harris when the ball is just bypassing them and being hoofed up to the strikers.
Another problem is the fact that we have got rid of a few high profile players ad replaced them with players who you would associate with the lower leagues. Signings such as Lee Peltier, Scott Malone and Alex Revell hardly caught my imagination. Players such as Kim Bo kyung, Javi Guerra, Adam Le Fondre and Guido Burgstaller who promised so much have been let go for nothing. Yes, it cuts down the wage bill, but it doesn't help us going forward. These are gifted players who should be in and around the first team, not being offloaded to other clubs for nothing.
However, i'm genuinely excited by the deadline day signings that we made. Conor McAleny has a very bright future and will surely help with the lack of creativity at the moment. Eoin Doyle was acquired from Chesterfield and has a proven record wherever he has been. We need him to lighten the burden on Kenwyne and chip in with a few goals.
What's imperative now is that every player that puts on the blue shirt from now up until the end of the season gives there all. That's all we ask for. If it comes down to ability, I will back our players to come out on top and dig us out of the relegation dogfight we found ourselves in.
But after a summer upheaval, we struggled to settle and find our best team. There were good results with wins against teams such as Huddersfield and Wigan making the start to the season a tad more respectable. But the disastrous 2-4 defeat at the hands off Norwich proved the final nail in the coffin. Tan had seen enough, and Ole lost his job.
The early favourites for the job were the usual suspect: Pulis,Hughton, Steve Clark etc. But instead of a high profile new gaffer to kick us into shape, Vincent Tan appointed the well known name.... Russell Slade. Russell who I hear you ask. You know, Russell Slade, the Leyton Orient manager.
The early signs were good with Slade's first game being the 2-1 victory over then-leaders Nottingham Forest. But since then, everything has gone downhill. The bluebirds slumped to an awful 3-0 loss at Bolton, before following that up with a 0-0 draw at Birmingham. I was one of 2000 hardy souls who sang their hearts out at St Andrews, but to no avail. City looked dis-jointed at the back and there was no rhythm to our play. By then dreams o automatic promotion were slowly slipping away, but I still held the hope of a play off spot. We put a few good results together, beating Reading 2-1 and claiming our first away win of the season in a 0-1 victory over Watford.
However, it was plain for all to see that the performances were still not up to scratch, and if things didn't improve quickly, then city would be losing pace with the play off group.
The point for me when I realised that we were miles off promotion was when we drew at home to Rotherham 0-0. I recall that we had one clear cut chance at home against relegation contenders. Slade didn't know what to do to change things and our attempts to create chances came from long balls. Many city fans, including myself, booed the team off after the final whistle, because it was a dire display.
Then we slowly slid into mediocrity. We found ourselves 2-0 down at Bournemouth within 20 minutes, but showed a few fighting qualities in a game with we eventually lost 5-3. It said it all that after that match centre back Sean Morrison had overtaken 2 million pound striker Adam Le Fondre in the scoring charts. A 2-3 defeat at home to Brentford was probably on of the worst first half displays I've ever seen by city. It's a game I don't really want to go into in depth to be honest! And a 1-1 draw at the valley where we let 10 men Charlton come back into the game almost spoilt the Christmas festivities!
An awful result against Watford soon followed, and by this point many fans were calling for Slade's head. Only 5000 city fans decided to turn up for the fa cup 3rd round tie at home to Colchester, where the bluebirds ran out 3-1 winners.
Bun then it happened. What every city fan wanted. THE RETURN TO BLUE!! I returned home from a hard day at school to find that my beloved bluebirds were back in our rightful colours. It then came out that Vincent Tan's mother had told her son to make the change, which prompted many comical songs against Fulham the next day. The atmosphere at CCS for the game against Fulham was quite frankly unbelievable. Everyone was in a party mood, however, the football was more of the same. Adam Le Fondre's flick on gave us an early lead, but after that, nothing much happened! Still, it was 3 points.
But after the honeymoon period had finished, it was back to reality. And the reality is that at the moment Cardiff are a very poor side and are going backwards. 4 consecutive defeats at the hand of Norwich, Middlesbrough, Reading (in the cup) and Derby proceeded the Fulham victory, thus putting us in a relegation dogfight.
A slight improvement against Sheffield Wednesday gave us a glimmer of hope, but it soon died down after the dismal 0-0 home draw to Brighton, which was actually painful to watch!
Many fans don't like Slade because of some of his eccentric decisions such as leaving out top scorer Kenwyne Jones for the crucial home game to Derby. But for me, the main concern is the style of play which is clearly not working and is costing us points. It seems as if all the players know how to do is hoof the ball back to the opposition. That might have worked for Slade at Leyton Orient, but what is the point of having technical masters like Peter Whittingham, Craig Noone and Kadeem Harris when the ball is just bypassing them and being hoofed up to the strikers.
Another problem is the fact that we have got rid of a few high profile players ad replaced them with players who you would associate with the lower leagues. Signings such as Lee Peltier, Scott Malone and Alex Revell hardly caught my imagination. Players such as Kim Bo kyung, Javi Guerra, Adam Le Fondre and Guido Burgstaller who promised so much have been let go for nothing. Yes, it cuts down the wage bill, but it doesn't help us going forward. These are gifted players who should be in and around the first team, not being offloaded to other clubs for nothing.
However, i'm genuinely excited by the deadline day signings that we made. Conor McAleny has a very bright future and will surely help with the lack of creativity at the moment. Eoin Doyle was acquired from Chesterfield and has a proven record wherever he has been. We need him to lighten the burden on Kenwyne and chip in with a few goals.
What's imperative now is that every player that puts on the blue shirt from now up until the end of the season gives there all. That's all we ask for. If it comes down to ability, I will back our players to come out on top and dig us out of the relegation dogfight we found ourselves in.
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