Two late goals from Norwich City saw The Bluebirds lose their last game ahead of the upcoming international break.
Poor marking at the back post from Mark McGuinness saw The Bluebirds go behind after 22 minutes. However, The Bluebirds grew into the game and were level after great work from Callum Robinson down the left, who found an unmarked Josh Bowler who side footed the ball into the back of the Norwich net. Down the left again, but this time Jamilu Collins who found Callum Robinson in the box and a composed header saw The Bluebirds take the lead.
The first quater of an hour of the second half was a nothing game until subs were made from both sides. Cardiff subsitute Ryan Wintle found his own net to put Norwich level. Despite Jak Alnwick pulling off a good save, Adam Idah was their to tap home and give The Canaries all three points.
Player Ratings:
Jak Alnwick (6) - Made some good saves for The Bluebirds. Kicking was slightly better against Norwich. However, hard to give higher to a 'keeper that has conceded three.
Mahlon Romeo (5) - Romeo struggled on his return to the side. Evident he hadn't played in two months. Started pretty solid but drifted as Jonathan Rowe grew into the game.
Dimitrios Goutas (5.5) - Also struggled against The Canaries. Looked like a tired performance from Dimi. Couldn't cope with Adam Idah when he came on.
Mark McGuinness (7) - The only defender I thought had a decent game. Made some key blocks and tackles to disrupt Norwich. Doesn't excuse he has to do better for their first.
Jamilu Collins (6) - Struggled against a good player in Fassnacht. Seemed to get caught out often. Good ball for Robbo's goal.
Manolis Siopis (6) - One of The Bluebirds better players in the opening 45. However, was near enough anonymous in the second.
Joe Ralls (7) - Him coming off changed the game. Typical game from The Bluebirds skipper, solid and simple.
Callum Robinson (8.5) MOTM - One goal and one assist, what more can you ask? Was The Bluebirds' biggest threat in attack which makes you wonder why he was also substituted. Another game-changing sub, and not for the better.
Josh Bowler (8) - Placheta might have nightmares about Bowler. Norwich couldn't get near him and he thoroughly deserved that goal as he's been in a fine run of form.
Yakou Meite (6) - Marked out of the game really. Tried his hardest to make a nuisance of himself but found no real luck.
Subs:
Ryan Wintle (4) - Hard to give him anything better. Came on and we fell to pieces.
Rubin Colwill (6) - Similar to Meite, he tried but nothing fell for him. The only player that seemed to be on the same wavelength as him was Ollie Tanner.
Ollie Tanner (6) - Same as Colwill.
Kion Etete (5) - Came on, hardly ran and just spent his time on the pitch waving his arms about and complaining. Didn't help himself by walking straight down the tunnel at full-time without acknowledging the fans.
Summary:
Simply not good enough. Game management needs to improve fast if we want to stay in the top half of the table.
After the break, a trip to Preston awaits for The Bluebirds.
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