After an impressive display of determination at the Amex, Cardiff now sit only two points behind a Brighton side that have conceded seven goals in their last two matches at home.
Many thought Brighton’s home fixtures would offer much-needed respite for the Seagulls, but instead of offering some kind of rest for Hughton’s beleaguered side, Cardiff only compounded their hosts’ problems. An early goal from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing would break Brighton’s resolve while also emboldening the Bluebirds.
The visitors would continue to dominate play and from their display, it was evident that Warnock had drilled desire into his players. Cardiff played fully aware that they were masters of their own destiny – whereas Brighton played with no evident resolve or enthusiasm.
Of course, there was hope that Hughton would be able to change things in the second half. Yet no such change ever arrived and an early goal in the second half from Sean Morrison silenced the Amex whilst also draining the little bit of life left in Brighton.
Both teams are facing relegation, but at the end of the 90 minutes, it was apparent that only one team truly understood the gravity of the match they had just played. This match could have very well decided the fates of both Brighton and Cardiff, and at the end of the season, both teams will know that their triumph or failure was something they themselves crafted.
Brighton: Who is to blame?
This is a question that is perhaps is as old as football itself: when a team is performing poorly who is to blame, the players or the manager? In Brighton’s case it is probably both. The team has failed to score a single goal in their last four games and even more frightening is the fact that they do indeed look incapable of scoring. In other words, the Seagull’s problems are not the result of bad luck; they are the result of sloppy, unpassionate football.
The players look completely unmotivated, and there have been rumors that Hughton has “lost the dressing room.” Yet, even if that were the case, would the players not feel obligated to win for the sake of their fans? Indeed, it’s a complicated matter, and it would seem unfair to only blame Hughton for the team’s recent stumblings.
A similar case can be seen with Mourinho and Manchester United. Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant footballing minds the world has ever seen, but once the players stopped playing for him, he was sacked. The sacking of Mourinho and the aftermath which was an impressive run for the Red Devils showed that it was both the players and the manager that were causing problems. Unfortunately, most of the blame was and has been laid at the Portuguese mastermind’s feet, and it looks like Hughton will be put in a similar position.
In both these cases, the problem runs deeper than the manager, but in both cases, the simple solution was and is to sack the manager in hopes of jolting the team back into action. That may work for a limited amount of time, but the Red Devils have made it clear that a team can only run off its own determination for so long.
Cardiff arn’t done just yet
At the beginning of the season most laughed at the idea of Warnock keeping Cardiff in the Premier League. In fact, it was not uncommon to find groups saying that the Englishman would be the first manager to be sacked. Yet, the Bluebirds and their unlikely hero have done much more than anyone expected of them.
Warnock knew this match was crucial to their hopes of staying in the Premier League, and he made sure his players knew it as well. Determination, organization, and sheer doggedness won the game for the visitors, and although it wasn’t the most beautiful football to grace the Premier League, it didn’t matter for Cardiff. The team had one goal in mind which was winning
They still have four games left, and Brighton have five. It’s difficult to say what will happen between now and the end of the season, but luckily for Cardiff, they aren’t thinking about the future, they are thinking about the present. They are worried about their next game; their next goal and that mentality is what has kept this team alive.
Is there any way back for Brighton?
Brighton are obligated to do well in their upcoming matches. Their weekend match against Wolves in particular looks to be their best chance to produce a result. Wolves are still recovering from their FA Cup loss to Watford and their trip to Spain this week could result in renewed focus or the lack of it. The Seagulls will be hoping for the latter.
Nevertheless, the road ahead looks extremely perilous and a catastrophic meltdown comparable to that seen against Bournemouth looks very possible in the upcoming matches. In fact, Wolves are the least of their problems as the Seagulls still have to face Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City. Hughton must do something different and the players must buy into whatever the Englishman tries or else relegation will turn into a reality.
There is hope for this team, but frankly, I would say there is not very much. Brighton, as they are now, do not deserve to stay in the Premier League and if they continue down the path they’re on they will face humiliation in addition to the problem of finding their way back into the first division. It looks very grim for the Seagull’s and their fans.
Cardiff City: The right ingredients
Whereas Brighton seem unsure of themselves, Cardiff seem full of belief at the moment. Warnock has not stopped praising his team’s ability and thinks his team is more than “capable” of taking some points off their last few opponents. He is right.
Manchester United have looked less than impressive in recent matches and their shambolic performance in Barcelona will likely dent the team’s confidence. Liverpool, look unbeatable at the moment, but with Cardiff’s belief and character they may just do the unexpected. As for their other two opponents, Fulham and Crystal Palace, the Bluebirds look capable of securing at least a draw in both matches. There have even been rumors of Crystal Palace playing with their reserve team in order to relegate their rivals, Brighton.
Jokes and rumors aside however, in their current form and with their current resolve Warnock’s men look absolutely capable of the impossible.
