+ Visit Cardiff FC for Latest News, Transfer Gossip, Fixtures and Match Results |
best football we've played for a long time. Need someone to be sharper in the opposition box, be a bit more clever with their runs and getting shots off.
As soon as paterson came on we went back to the same style as last year.
How different the mood would be if Etheridge didn't save that pen though...
This was where we needed to go all out for Deeney imo
First point on the board as Newcastle miss last kick penalty and game ends 0 - 0.
Just under 31,000 fans at CCS were treated to a dramatic afternoon's football that could have seen daylight robbery. Newcastle were awared a penalty in the 96th minute and if Kenedy has converted would have won the game for the visitors.
It would have been rough on Cardiff who looked a diferent team to the one that lost at Bournemouth last week. The only comparison between them was a lack of goals but the improvement in class of the midfield was incredible. Harry Arter made a superb debut but probably just lost out on Man of the Match to Josh Murphy. Victor Camarasa, with Arter and Joe Ralls provided the heartbeat of the side and with Murphy tormenting Newcastle it was a tough afternoon for Rafa Benitez's side.
But at this level nothing is certain and thanks to Neil Etheridge who made two stunning first half saves and the heart on sleeve efforts of the back four City kept the visitors out on the few times they did look dangerous.
Generally though Cardiff deserved more for their efforts but the lack of clear goalscoring chances is a worry. Ken Zohore, while a pain the backside of the Newcastle defence, did not get enough efforts on goal and the supporting players in the final third lacked a final ball of enough quality to create goalscoring oportunities.
Newcastle played the last 24 mins with 10 men after Isaac Hayden was given a straight red for a foul on Murphy. City couldn't make the advantage pay but Etheridge's heroics at the death preserved a fully deserved point for the home side.
Superb support from the fans, a great occasion and City are going to pose problems for a number of teams this season. Early days but after two games we have more points than Arsenal!!
Next up it's Huddersfield away. A game that Cardiff need something from as after that it's Arsenal (H), Chelsea (A) and Man Cty (H) - great innit.
Warnock’s gonna have to find a way to play Zohore and Reid together. Especially at home. Can’t see any other way we’re going to get goals. Don’t think Zohore up front in his own is going to cut it.