WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE BLUEBIRDS’ OPENING DAY SUCCESS

1: If Kenneth Zohore has started as he means to go, there’s plenty to be excited about at Cardiff City.

Though the striker had began at Burton with confidence and menace, he struggled to make more of the nerves he was creating in the hosts’ defence. And it had seemed as though the Dane was fading into frustration as time ticked on, not quite able to get the service or space to make his mark. But when the opening came, when it mattered, Zohore showed the class he has and the difference he can make to the Bluebirds this season. Aside from the way he took his chance – working the space and curling expertly into the far corner – it was the fact the striker had not lost hope or stopped looking for his moment despite early frustrations. That’s the mark of a striker who can turn draws into wins and earn the points that could yet push the side towards the promotion spots this season. 2: While Zohore turned himself into the poster boy last season, it was the consistency and energetic dependency of Aron Gunnarsson that deservedly won him the player of the year.

So it was pleasing to note the Iceland captain started with the same kind of tempo and tenacity as he displayed last term. Though he and Joe Ralls were left with a little too much to do in the middle at times, Gunnarsson’s driving runs showed the added attacking edge he can bring while he was so often on hand to snuff out Burton threat before it got to the box, or even just tidy up or steady things as the Bluebirds struggled to assert themselves.

If Gunnarsson can continue to offer more of the same as last year, it bodes well for Warnock. 3: One of Warnock’s biggest frustrations last year was his limitations – and sometimes inability – to change games via his bench. His summer work in the window was to make that right, and the rewards were shown in this opener. Warnock now has options not only to tweak before games, but to be proactive with his substitutions.

Here, he was able to change system at the right time while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing offered a needed bit of committed dynamism from the bench. Damour showed some decent touches as Cardiff were able to put themselves on top while Danny Ward’s introduction helped free the space for Zohore. 4: Though Warnock’s most high-profile signing, Lee Tomlin, made way just after the hour mark, it wasn’t a reflection on his performance. Even though the breakthrough came after changes were made, one would assume his withdrawal was more to do with his late start to pre-season because there was plenty to be pleased about the former Bristol City star. He showed a quickness of mind and feet to give Cardiff’s attack a bit of extra edge while his spark between the lines was missing too often last term. Add in his little bit of snarl and bite and he appears to fit in perfectly. 5: While Tomlin certainly provided positives in the No.10 position for Cardiff, it remains to be seen whether the former Bristol City man can replace Peter Whittingham’s quality from set pieces. Bluebirds fans became accustomed to watching dead-eyed free kicks and corner from the stalwart of 10-years, and Cardiff’s early profligacy from set-pieces at the Pirelli Stadium was a definitely an area in need of improvement.

Three times in quick succession Burton managed to easily nod away freekicks delivered by either Tomlin, Joe Ralls or Aron Gunnarsson.

With aerial prowess and height certainly not lacking in the Cardiff ranks, they must begin to decent delivery from those positions. Sean Morrison, Sol Bamba and Bruno Manga could provide 15 goals between them with the right service.