' Two summer signings deliver '

' Two summer signings deliver '


By Ian Mitchelmore


Monday 1st October 2018

Neil Warnock was quick to strengthen his squad over the summer ahead of the Bluebirds' return to the Premier League.

And while he continues to rue Cardiff's failure to sign a top striker ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, there were two in particular that he did bring to the Welsh capital who stepped up to the plate against Burnley.

Josh Murphy was a lively presence throughout and rattled the post in the opening half after a slick one-two with Greg Cunningham on the left.

And he got his rewards after the break by finishing off a lovely move that saw Bruno Manga pick out the winger after neat link-up play with Victor Camarasa on the right.

The ex-Norwich City man must have thought he had a brace when he curled at goal from a few yards outside the area in the second period, but Joe Hart pulled off a magnificent one-handed save to deny the 23-year-old while he also rippled the side netting shortly after Cardiff went 2-1 down.

As for Camarasa, the Spaniard brimmed with confidence throughout and always looked to get his side on the front foot.

He's brought some much needed quality to the Bluebirds and was unfortunate not to net his second goal for the club with a fierce volley from inside the box in the second half.

So if the Bluebirds do somehow manage to pull off the great escape this season, you'd imagine Murphy and Camarasa will be key.

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The alarming Burnley ruthlessness Cardiff are desperately missing

By Ian Mitchelmore

Monday 1st October 2018

The Bluebirds have struggled to test opposition goalkeepers this season, with their blunt attack being summed up by Cardiff's meagre tally of three goals in six matches prior to the visit of Burnley.

However, they were far more creative against Sean Dyche's side, managing 19 shots in total.

But only five of those were on target, and only one bugled the net.


As for Burnley, they managed just three attempts, two of which were on target.

And crucially for the Clarets, both of those efforts on target beat Neil Etheridge.

It represented something of a smash and grab for Burnley who were second best for long periods in the game, but left South Wales with all three points after scoring with both of their two attempts on target.

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' The striker dilemma remains '


By Ian Mitchelmore


Monday 1st October 2018

Having been thrown in at the deep end in the games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, Danny Ward was dropped to the bench against Burnley, with Kenneth Zohore getting the nod from the outset.

Zohore battled admirably and forced Hart into a smart save in the first half after poking Camarasa's pass at goal.

But he was unable to break his Premier League duck and was hooked in the second half, being replaced by Ward.

Gary Madine was also sent on for the final 15 minutes as Cardiff desperately went in search of an equaliser.

But the three forwards - along with Bobby Reid - have scored just once between them in seven league games so far this season.

And it's a serious topic of debate as to who is Cardiff's best striker at the moment.

Someone needs to start firing, and quickly.

Mistakes undo Cardiff's positive work


By Ian mitchelmore

Warnock has been quick to bemoan his side's defensive errors this season.

And he was forced to do exactly the same in the aftermath of the loss to Burnley after seeing his side concede two really poor goals.

The Bluebirds switched off for Burnley's opener as Johann Berg Gudmundsson beat Greg Cunningham in the air to nod beyond Etheridge from a tight angle.

And speaking on Match of the Day, former Bluebird Danny Gabbidon highlighted how Sean Morrison was a yard or so further up the pitch than the rest of the Cardiff defence as ball over the captain's head was swiftly followed by Sam Vokes heading home his side's second goal.



So ultimately Burnley ended a game in which they only had two real openings by scoring with both of their efforts on target.

But they were given a huge helping hand as Cardiff were once again reminded of the ruthless nature of the top flight.

' The 2017/18 Cardiff return '


By Ian Mitchelmore


Monday 1st October 2018

After drawing 0-0 with Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium at the end of August, Warnock opted for a change in approach as Cardiff welcomed Arsenal to South Wales prior to the first international break of the season.

And while Cardiff ran the Gunners all the way with a hugely encouraging performance, Warnock's men failed to get any points to show for their efforts.

The theme has continued, with the Burnley defeat being their fourth loss on the bounce.

But against Dyche's outfit, Zohore and Callum Paterson were re-introduced, and Cardiff showed plenty of the qualities that saw them rip up the Championship last season.

Paterson was winning his aerial duels to ease the burden on Zohore, and Morrison did the same with virtually every single set-piece that was sent directly into the box.

It ensured they were able to play on the front foot while it also meant Cardiff created more chances than they have done in any other game so far this season.

It may not be pretty, but it's effective.