Following Saturday’s horror show in Wales, we’ve reached out to a Cardiff City season ticket holder who’s given us his thoughts on Newcastle United’s performance over the weekend – describing Kenedy’s display as “one of the worst displays” in Premier League history.
After taking the 0-0 draw in from the Ninian Stand on Saturday, here’s what Scott (@VFTNinian) had to say to us about the game and our overall performance – both as a team and individually:
“When you save a last kick of the match penalty kick, you’ve got to be grateful to go home with a point. On reflection though, considering the whole game, I think Cardiff deserved to keep all three points in South Wales.
“I thought the City dominated the majority of the play, but our downfall was our failure to create clear cut chances. The worry remains where goals will come from, but there were promising signs for us overall.
“I thought Newcastle were poor to be honest with you. I saw Rafa claim that you dominated the game throughout, but I’m not too sure what match he was watching!
“You seemed to struggle to get a hold of possession and only really created a couple of chances through either mistakes (Joe Bennett’s stumble which allowed Ayoze Perez through) or a moment of individual brilliance (Shelvey’s pass for Perez’s second chance).
“To be honest, I’d be worried if I was a Newcastle fan. Many look at Cardiff as the easiest match in the league (something I disagree with of course) but your side struggled throughout.”
Cardiff fan Scott then moved onto certain individual performances, with him being left highly unimpressed by Manquillo,
“The right-back Manquillo was particularly poor. Josh Murphy had his pants down all afternoon and he’s lucky that Rafa took him off as he would’ve got a second yellow in the second half, no doubt about it.
“Kennedy is the other obvious horror show. It’s probably one of the worst displays in Premier League history and he was lucky to stay on the pitch. His kick-out just didn’t make any sense. Our lad Camarasa did nothing at all so I’m not sure why Kennedy kicked out. I can’t believe the ref missed it too.
“You didn’t offer much up front, either. Perez should’ve done better with his too chances and I can’t imagine it’ll be long before Rondon is leading your line. I was surprised by how big a side Newcastle are.
He then picked out two players for praise in Lascelles and Shelvey – however he wasn’t impressed with the latter’s attitude:
“I was impressed with Lascalles – he didn’t lose a ball in the air all afternoon I don’t think.
“Shelvey impressed me with his passing range – you really appreciate it more in person – although I think he’s got a poor attitude. As I said, I’m close to the pitch and could see his expressions and annoyance at team mates all afternoon.”
He then had the following to say on the Kenedy, Hayden and Arter incidents:
“I thought Hayden and Kenedy were 100% red cards. Kenedy’s obviously for kicking out, and Hayden’s for a dangerous high foot. Both were needless, which will annoy NUFC.
“Perhaps I’m bias, but I don’t think Arters was more than a yellow. It looked aggressive, but I think it was just a professional foul that looked worse than it was. Again – I may be biassed!”
And finally, he commented on the size of our side – claiming the likes of Lascelles, Diame and even Shelvey looked like ‘giants’ from where he was sitting. Ultimately though, he felt we looked like a side who let tensions off the pitch get the better of us on it:
“My season ticked in the Ninian Stand is quite close to the front and the likes of Lascalles, Diame and even Shelvey seemed like giants, even compared to our relatively big side.
“The game provided encouragement for Cardiff fans, but I think it did the opposite for Newcastle fans. There’s clearly tension at the club and that’s reflecting on the pitch.”
Agree with this assessment?
“Perhaps I’m bias, but I don’t think Arters was more than a yellow. ”
So you’re biased then. The Arter kick was no different to Kenedy’s, both definite red cards for kicks that were shin high.
mactoon(Quote)
Different altogether,Arter was a lucky lad in my view but it was a trip so got the benefit of the doubt but your player went through the back with no attempt to play the ball.I’ve seen broken legs with that sort of tackle.Petulant and cowardly in my view.I know were not the greatest side ever to grace the premier league but for your sake I hope Shelvey stays fit for you otherwise based on that performance you’ll stuggle this season.
martin(Quote)
Martin it was Hayden who went through the back with no attempt to play the ball and I agree it was a straight red.
However, I am talking about the Kenedy and Arter tackles, not Haydens.
Kenedy kicked the lad on the shin and it was a red card.
Artur’s wasn’t a trip, look at the footage, he comes in from behind and it’s a clear kick out at the lads shin. (I’ve seen broken legs with that sort of challenge!)
Referee Mark Clattenburg: “Both players kicked their opponents, Newcastle’s Kenedy in an off-the-ball incident which referee Pawson has obviously failed to see, while Cardiff’s Arter was a cynical foul to stop a break, but it was excessive force and should have seen red”
mactoon(Quote)
No argument over Arter really and your other player looks like he’s escaped a retrospective ban so happy days though when you look at it I think it was the most straightforward decision of the day.
martin(Quote)
Definitely agree about Kenedy. His reaction was because of the tackle just before he lashed out. No need for it but pleased he got away with it 😛
mactoon(Quote)