MALKY CALLS FOR FOCUS AFTER OFF-DAY

Manager disappointed with defeat, but happy with season to date

called for perspective to be sought following Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace.Malky Mackay

The Bluebirds have picked up points at each of their immediate rivals’ home grounds in the opening 15 games of the Barclays Premier League season – including a win at Fulham and hard fought draws at Hull, Norwich and last Wednesday, Stoke.

And while Saturday’s loss at Palace undoubtedly brought disappointment, the Gaffer spoke frankly on reflection of the season to date.

"We certainly weren't at it the way we have been but even then it is about taking chances and we had a great chance in the first five minutes and we should have scored,” said the City Boss.

"That would have changed the game, goals change games. They went up the other end and scored their chance. Then we head the ball straight down to Chamakh 18 yards out and he strikes at goal. We have got to be better at our end and certainly we have got to defend our box better than that.

"They are all disappointed and if we get chances we have got to take them. Overall we want to be better than we were today but we have got three chances inside their six-yard box away from home and we should score.

"That being said, it is about keeping picking up points. We know that is not easy to do in the Barclays Premier League but we had a good result against Manchester United , it was 1-0 against Arsenal with four minutes to go and we got a good point at Stoke who beat Chelsea today.

"As far as I'm concerned it is about performances and picking up points as we go. We have to be more clinical in front of goal. We have got to be in every game and more competitive in every game.

"I don't cast an eye over my shoulder. If I was cast adrift at the bottom of the league I could understand being anxious, but we are not."