Analysing Blues’ performance on Saturday showed that despite a disappointing first-half performance there were several promising signs that Eustace should be aware of.

The goal came from a weakness Blues have shown in each of their three previous games which is that they are vulnerable down the wings, especially the left side of defense which was exploited by a less than ruthless Bluebirds side who squandered a hatful of clear chances throughout the game.

Blues were simply too slow out of the traps and laboured all through the first half being lucky to go in at halftime only one down.

The back three had an off day the worst culprit being Max Colin who I praised after watching the Huddersfield game but his ball watching allowed Cardiff”s Villa loanee to wander in completely unmarked to tap in an easy chance.

Thanks to heroic goalkeeping by Blues keeper Ruddy the score was still manageable by halftime.

Scott Hogan must be given more help. He was a threat to Cardiff all through the game but the supply chain was woefully short of adequate, even so, he made two brilliant runs only to be brought down both times. Arguably the first tackler may have touched the ball first but he took the striker out with the follow through which under current FA rules is deemed a penalty.

The second was clear a penalty as you will get any season. The defender leaned on him and then pushed a knee into the back of Hogan’s calf when he was clean through. The incompetent ref not only refused to call the foul but added insult to injury by booking Scott even though he was less than ten yards away from the incidents, which makes me wonder how in hells name these people are allowed to referee a park’s game let alone an EFL championship match.

The problem for this referee was that had he given the penalty it would also have been a straight red card which would have brought the hostile Cardiff crowd down on him, so he bottled out. 

There was a promising full debut by Alfie Chang and the game changed significantly in the second half when Williams, Hall, and Leko were introduced which sparked Blues into life. Williams was excellent and should be given a starting place next match as his strength, speed, and skill makes him another brilliant product from Blues’ academy.

I don’t know what is happening with Deeney as he looks slow and ponderous and on his last three showing does not deserve his place in the team. The young players have shown they have what it takes to influence the side and should be given their chance otherwise Blues may well begin to drop down the league very quickly relying on the old failed players.

Time for a clear-out.