EMOTIONAL
eight games to a league season for the first time since 1989-90. ■ Cardiff have lost five consecutive Premier League games, their worst disappointed by the linesman. Not often do you see Tottenham playing into the corner in the last few minutes.
“You need a bit of luck and, hopefully, we should have that soon.”
Cardiff battled and often made fools of the opposition.
But it all started so well for Spurs when they took an eighth-minute lead.
Kieran Trippier launched one of his trademark crosses from the left, Davinson Sanchez bravely went in to meet it, the ball dropping run in the competition. ■ Tottenham have scored at least once in each of their last 19 Premier League home games, the longest down and, as it stuck under the feet of Joe Bennett, Eric Dier fired home from close range. Dier then became a hero at the other end when he threw himself at Junior Hoilett’s feet to block his shot after Josh Murphy exposed Tottenham’s defensive fralities in the 29th minute. Cardiff made it hard for a Spurs side nowhere near their best, not sure of their best formation and with several star players out through injury or fatigue. The Bluebirds fought hard, current run in the competition. ■ Cardiff are the only side Harry Kane has faced but not scored against in the Premier League. but were also lucky to survive a 43rd-minute scare when Son Heung-min wove his way to the byline from the flank, then crossed, only for Moura to shoot wide from just four yards.
Cardiff survived and brilliantly denied Spurs adding to ther lead just seconds into the second half.
Kane’s header from Danny Rose’s cross was superbly saved by Neil Etheridge only for Moura’s follow-up to be blocked on the line by Sean Morrison.
Cardiff rightfully lost Ralls for his cynical 58th minute foul on Moura. Referee Mike Dean had no choice but to show the red card, though why Kane decided to get involved was a mystery.
Warnock was also given a verbal warning when he really should have kept his peace, but that is not always easy for a manager often accused of possessing a loose tongue.
The Bluesbirds almost equalised when Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris pushed a Morrison header on to a post from Josh Murphy’s 64th-minute free-kick.
But this was never going to be a game for the connoisseur – nor particularly worthy of gracing the national stadium.