Huddersfield Town missed the opportunity to get their first Premier League win since November, as it drew 0-0 away to fellow struggler Cardiff City despite controlling much of the game.
David Wagner's men at least managed to end a run of eight successive top-flight defeats, but they will surely be frustrated at not being able to claim a rare win after looking significantly better than their host.
Although Huddersfield appeared more switched on in attack during the first half, things were evenly contested before the interval – both sides having fortunate escapes.
READ | West Ham 1 Arsenal 0: Declan Rice nets winner as Arnautovic waved off
It was after half-time that Huddersfield looked particularly in control, seeing far more of the ball and even having a penalty awarded before being overturned by referee Lee Mason, but Cardiff held firm to leave Town eight points adrift of safety.
Huddersfield was the more threatening side for much of the first half, with Jason Puncheon shooting just wide of the bottom-right corner from 25 yards eight minutes into his league debut for the club.
The visitor was somewhat fortunate to not concede a penalty soon after, with Florent Hadergjonaj appearing to catch Junior Hoilett as he tried to reach Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's low cross.
Cardiff finished the half well and should have taken the lead, but Sean Morrison inexplicably saw Hoilett's corner go straight through his legs when all he needed to do was tap home.
ALSO READ | Brighton and Hove Albion 0 Liverpool 1: Salah holds nerve to get Reds back on track
Huddersfield was on the front foot for most of the second period, but clear-cut chances eluded it – its only two efforts on target were saved relatively comfortably by Neil Etheridge.
The visitor thought it had the perfect chance to take the lead 13 minutes from the end when Joe Bennett sent Hadergjonaj down on the edge of the box, but referee Mason changed his mind about giving a penalty after consulting with his assistant and the spoils were shared.
What does it mean? Firepower desperately needed for both sides
There were just two shots on target in the entire match, which tells you all you need to know about the firepower these sides possess. If neither side manages to bolster its attacking options in the January transfer window, you have to fear for their survival, particularly rock-bottom Huddersfield.
Pritchard offers a little spark
In a game generally devoid of craft, Huddersfield's Alex Pritchard at least offered some creativity for the visitor, often using the ball well in the final third, as shown by his three key passes.
Camarasa fails to stamp his authority
Cardiff's Spanish midfielder was particularly disappointing. Up against a fairly modest Huddersfield, Victor Camarasa had little impact before going off injured in the 64th minute.
What's next?
Cardiff goes up against another potential relegation candidate when it travels to Newcastle United next Saturday. Things will likely be a little more difficult for Huddersfield, however, as it hosts Manchester City the next day.
Comments
SHARE