GUNNARSSON: IT'S IMPORTANT TO BUILD ON TODAY
Club News
10th January
Aron Gunnarsson spoke to the media in the aftermath of an exhilarating afternoon, in which over 22,000 supporters roared Cardiff City on, frustrating Fulham’s attacking players throughout the ninety minutes.
Restricting our visitors with graft and persistence, the work paid off as the Bluebirds found the net through Sean Morrison whilst keeping a clean sheet to take all three points at Cardiff City Stadium.
“It was a big day and a big game for the fans.” Gunnarsson acknowledged. “We wanted to give them something to cheer about. It’s been hard for the last couple of weeks, results wise. Our performances hadn’t been good enough and we knew that.
“We wanted to put it right. We got the three points today, which was the main thing. We controlled the game for long periods as well.
“The fans were brilliant today. The owner Tan Sri has made the right decision – especially for the fans – and it gave them something to cheer about. Everybody is happy. Coming out to a stadium where fans are lively – they want us to do well every week of course, red or blue – is a boost.
“It has been down to us lately, we haven’t been performing and we need to take responsibility for that. I think we’ve shown that today with our work rate and determination to get the three points. We worked hard today. Hopefully we can build on that.”
New signing Scott Malone slotted into the left side of Cardiff’s defensive four whilst Alex Revell was introduced at the break. Gunnarsson praised the work ethic and adaptability of the pair, adding, “We knew what we were going to get with Alex Revell. We played against him earlier this season. He is a very hard worker and he brings something different.
“Scott Malone on the other hand, hasn’t been training much lately and for him to come through eighty-five minutes is brilliant to see. He offers us something different going forward and did well defensively; there were a few balls he headed away, he saved us a few times. They are two good players that gave us a lift – new faces with different qualities.”
Comparisons with City legend Andy Legg were drawn by the local media as Gunnarsson’s long throw proved decisive, Sean Morrison turning the set-piece in on the fourteenth minute to hand Cardiff the lead.
“I’ve used the throw-ins two seasons ago, before I dislocated my shoulder with the national side,” Gunnarsson explained. “I hardly used it last season, due to the injury but I’ve worked hard to get myself back to the right strength and physique. It works well, especially when we’ve got players like Ben Turner, Sean Morrison and Kenwyne Jones who can head the ball. There’s no reason not to when it creates a threat.
“The throw-in was key today. We created a few chances from it and got the goal - I’m happy I can help the team.
“Russell knew that my shoulder has been recuperating; he wants me to take one when I can. He has not been telling me to do it – I want to do it to help the team. With big players in the box that can score a goal it’s useful.”
