Cardiff City 3 Leeds 1 - Haters Gonna Hate (Peter Whittingham)

Sir Peter of Whittingham has again found himself bitched about and trash talked in the press again this week following City’s defeat at Millwall last Saturday where they got roughed up by some douchebags in London. Granted, the Bluebirds played like a bunch of pussies that day but why do some (even 'professional' 'journalists') see this as an opportunity to make one of Cardiff’s best players a scapegoat dragging his name through the dirt? That day, Whittingham wasn’t on form but neither was any other player.

He’s the type of footballer who fans will often moan about if they’re not seen making or scoring goals (in Whitts’ case from outside the box!) or sprinting around the whole pitch tackling like a lunatic for the entire game.

After a flat game the haters are quick to forget his dead ball delivery which is outrageous for the Championship and one of the Bluebirds most deadly weapons – and don’t forget he’s also got a fierce shot in his arsenal.

The most valuable thing he does though is keep the team ticking over with a steady stream of short possession, an overlooked skill harder than it looks to maintain over the course of a game… and a series of games… and a season.  

Whitts’ function in the team machine is similar to a bass player in a band, he will subtly keep things moving in the background, keeping time and getting a rhythm going. He won’t slide on his knees and pull out a hair-metal guitar solo but without him in the equation the whole operation falls apart.

It’s not unlike my own function in my household at the moment after our daughter was born a month ago. I’m not the star of the show giving birth to babies, but I do load / unload the dishwasher, put the bins out and make tea for visitors.  

In Cardiff’s case, fans (especially the fickle f**ks who sit by me) may not appreciate Peter Whittingham's worth until he’s gone. 

Everyone has an opinion on football, it’s just a shame we have to listen to the people who have a meatball brain instead of a football one.    

Anyway, onto Saturday's game against Leeds... 

Away form and clean sheets might continue to be a problem for City at the moment but home form isn't with four straight wins in a row now.

After our weird pre-game burger and a dire first half, we can only assume Russell got stuck into the boys at half time because the second half was played at a higher tempo and more oomph. 

In end City could and should've scored more. 

Leeds may have been a physical beast but not much more and this week City stood up to the task. Adam Le Fondre in particular took a thankless pummelling up front and Aron Gunnarsson threw his weight around in the middle to good effect. 

Sorting out the attitude and performances on the road could go a long way to the outcome of this season and, with two away games at Bolton and Birmingham this week, City have a chance to push things forward. 

Worth noting at this point is Slade (above) regenerating the once joyous Malky Mackay post match victory fist pump. Can we see it at away grounds too please sir?