It is easy to see why Cardiff City aren't in real contention for the play-offs after Blackburn Rovers draw: View | OneFootball

Highlights

Cardiff City made it four games without a win in the week as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers in what was a forgettable clash.

Cardiff City’s struggles in front of goal continue

The Bluebirds enjoyed a positive start to the season under Erol Bulut, who looked like he could be the man to bring success back to the Welsh club after a difficult few years.

However, a tough few months followed, so the January window was crucial for Cardiff as Bulut strengthened the squad.

On paper, it seemed like a decent window for the side, with a few big additions.

Famara Diedhiou has proven himself at Championship level in the past with Bristol City, so it was hoped he would bring a physical presence up top and a goal threat.

Meanwhile, David Turnbull was prolific as a midfielder for Celtic over the years, so his ability to chip in with goals would’ve been welcome.

But, whilst the blame should no way be put on those two individuals, the reality is that Cardiff are continuing to struggle as a team right now.

Erol Bulut needs to change things

The draw against Rovers was hugely frustrating for Cardiff, and it perfectly encapsulated why they’re languishing in mid-table and not competing for a top six finish.

Even though they’re under new management, only Rotherham have conceded more goals than Blackburn on their travels, so this should’ve been a great opportunity for the Bluebirds to get three points, and end a three-game losing streak.

Pleasingly, they didn’t lose, but that’s about the only positive you could take, as Bulut’s men really struggled to create clear-cut chances.

They may have recorded 11 shots, five of which were on target, which seems okay, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Those opportunities only resulted in an xG of 0.63, which was marginally better than the visitors'. That proves Cardiff were taking shots from long range, and they struggled to get into dangerous areas.

With Cardiff having scored ten goals in their last 15 games, it demonstrates the Blackburn fixture wasn’t a one-off, and ultimately the blame lies with Bulut.

Clearly, he needs to change things, whether it’s tweaking the tactics or changing the personnel, as the current setup just isn’t working.

It was hoped the January additions would make the difference, but that hasn’t been the case, and to compound things, Ike Ugbo has managed three goals in six games for struggling Sheffield Wednesday, having hit just four in 20 for the Bluebirds, which says a lot.

Next, they face a Stoke City side that will no doubt replicate Blackburn’s approach in a bid to frustrate the hosts before growing into the game and hoping they can be more of a threat in the final third.

Ultimately, this season isn’t playing out the way Cardiff had hoped, and Bulut has to take responsibility for that, even if he is right to point out that they don't have the resources of others in the league.