Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves - 7M sport

Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves



Posted Saturday, December 01, 2018 by PA

Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves

Neil Warnock admitted he would be able to enjoy his 70th birthday after his Cardiff side fought back to beat Wolves 2-1.

Cardiff climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone and up to 15th place as second half goals from Aron Gunnarsson and Junior Hoilett produced another comeback victory for Warnock’s side.

This was the third time in four home games that Cardiff have recovered from a goal down to win and provided the perfect birthday present for veteran boss Warnock, who turns 70 on Saturday.

Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves
Aron Gunnarsson drew Cardiff level against Wolves (Nick Potts/PA)

“I thanked the players for letting me have a nice birthday,” Warnock said.

“It wouldn’t have been a nice one if we’d lost because the bad feeling stays with you for a couple of days. I’m celebrating by going for a quiet meal, with my four kids and my wife.

“This is why I’m still in the game, when you see your team perform like that. It’s the feeling you get on nights like this that keeps me going. You have to enjoy these moments.”

Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves
Matt Doherty gave Wolves the lead at Cardiff (Nick Potts/PA)

Cardiff were in danger of staying in the bottom three when Matt Doherty fired Wolves ahead after 18 minutes.

The Bluebirds created little in the first period, save for Harry Arter striking a post.

But Cardiff slowly cranked up the pressure in the second half and Gunnarsson equalised from close range after 65 minutes.

The winner came 12 minutes later when Hoilett, playing the wing-back role for the first time in his career, claimed his first Premier League goal for six years with a sensational 20-yard effort.

Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves
Junior Hoilett scored a spectacular winner for Cardiff (Nick Potts/PA)

“Junior and Victor (Camarasa) are hardly wing-backs, but we wanted to have a real go at them in midfield,” Warnock said.

“Junior always used to cut inside, so it was great to see him score like that. You’ve got to have skill to survive in the Premier League, but it’s nothing without character.

“My players have shown that by winning from behind in three games and they just never know when they’re beaten. We were a bit sloppy at the start, but we improved and we’ve beaten another good team.

“We’re probably still favourites to get relegated and quite rightly given our budget, compared to others. But football isn’t won and lost in betting offices.”

Warnock able to enjoy 70th birthday after victory over Wolves
Nuno Espirito Santo saw his side go six games without a win (Nick Potts/PA)

Wolves, promoted alongside Cardiff last season, lost only one of their opening eight games in starting life in the Premier League well. But it is now only one point from a possible 18 after five defeats in the last six games.

“It’s six games without a win, that’s the reality and there is only one way we can go out there,” Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo said.

“That is sticking together and believing in how we do things. The attitude and energy is there, so let’s keep working harder.”

On Wolves’ second half misery, Nuno added: “We knew Cardiff is a very physical team and almost all the game we were able to equal that physical intensity.

“There was one moment we could not do that, when we conceded, and after that the game became difficult and we lost a little bit of control.”

Tag:


Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.