Aron Gunnarsson just loves life in the Forest.
The Icelandic warrior, who played a major role in Cardiff City’s promotion to the Premier League five years ago, fired the winner against Nottingham Forest.
He has scored in his last three appearances for the Bluebirds against Forest. Absolute joy!
Gunnar’s winning goal in the 2-1 success against Forest at Cardiff City Stadium was perhaps the best of all. It keeps manager Neil Warnock’s warriors on course for automatic promotion.
They are back in second place, have three matches left and two wins will make sure they return to the Premier League no matter what Fulham do.
“God knows what Fulham must be thinking, they’re 22 games unbeaten but we’re still there like a rash,” said Warnock.
“Our fixtures against Derby County and Hull away are as tough as they come, there are no easy games, but I know we’ll go fighting until the end. No matter what our limitations are, we have the team spirit.
“The glass is half full, this is the best group of players I’ve had, they have the character the sides I’ve got promoted had.
In a normal season, Fulham would have been up with Wolves, but it’s not normal because we’re scratching at the heels.”
Warnock has done an astonishing job, no matter what happens now. It is remarkable that Cardiff are challenging the financial big hitters. Incredible.
Sean Morrison and Gunnarsson were the scorers against Forest and the Bluebirds now travel to play Derby County at Pride Park on Tuesday.
They have no need to fear anybody right now. Warnock has done wonders with his team.
Captain Morrison headed Cardiff in front when he completely lost his markers when Joe Ralls whipped in a free-kick. The header was simply text book stuff.
Forest goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino was helpless and with Gunnarsson stood right in front of him he could do nothing.
Liam Bridcutt equalised after 50 minutes, moments after Kenneth Zohore had fired against a post.
Forest’s goal was a shock. They had failed to score in four away games before this, while for Bridcutt this was his first goal in seven years! That takes in 243 appearances.
The winner came after 75 minutes when substitute Sol Bamba did a great job in keeping a deep free-kick delivery in play at the back post, heading it back to the edge of the six-yard box.
Gunnarsson was on point, smashing his shot into the bottom corner.
Cardiff City: Etheridge, Peltier (Bamba 45), Morrison, Manga, Bennett, Ralls, Gunnarsson, Bryson (Paterson 87), Mendez-Laing (Wildschut 71), Zohore, Hoilett. Subs not used: Pilkington, Grujic, Murphy (gk), Madine.
Nottingham Forest: Kapino, Lichaj, Pereira Figueiredo (Mancienne 60), Fox, Osborn, Bridcutt (Guédioura 71), Colback, Watson, Cash, Brereton, Lolley. Subs not used: Dowel, Darikwa, Bouchalakis, Vellios, Smith.
Referee: Peter Bankes.
Remaining fixtures for the top three:
Wolves: Sheffield Wednesday (H), Sunderland (A).
Cardiff City: Derby (A), Hull (A), Reading (H).
Fulham: Sunderland (H), Birmingham (A).
Championship League Table
| Team | P | GD | Pts | ||||||||
| 1 | Wolves | 44 | 46 | 98 | |||||||
| 2 | Cardiff | 43 | 30 | 86 | |||||||
| 3 | Fulham | 44 | 34 | 85 | |||||||
| 4 | Aston Villa | 44 | 31 | 82 | |||||||
| 5 | Middlesbrough | 44 | 20 | 72 | |||||||
| 6 | Millwall | 44 | 12 | 69 | |||||||
| 7 | Derby | 43 | 17 | 68 | |||||||
| 8 | Brentford | 44 | 12 | 68 | |||||||
| 9 | Preston | 44 | 9 | 67 | |||||||
| 10 | Bristol City | 44 | 10 | 66 | |||||||
| 11 | Sheff Utd | 44 | 7 | 66 | |||||||
| 12 | Leeds | 44 | -6 | 57 | |||||||
| 13 | Norwich | 44 | -8 | 57 | |||||||
| 14 | Ipswich | 44 | -7 | 56 | |||||||
| 15 | Sheff Wed | 44 | -5 | 53 | |||||||
| 16 | QPR | 44 | -12 | 53 | |||||||
| 17 | Nottm Forest | 43 | -16 | 49 | |||||||
| 18 | Hull | 44 | 2 | 48 | |||||||
| 19 | Reading | 44 | -18 | 43 | |||||||
| 20 | Birmingham | 44 | -30 | 43 | |||||||
| 21 | Bolton | 44 | -34 | 40 | |||||||
| 22 | Barnsley | 43 | -20 | 38 | |||||||
| 23 | Burton | 44 | -44 | 38 | |||||||
| 24 | Sunderland | 44 | -30 | 34 | |||||||