In September, we noted that Runar Alex Runarsson seemed destined for a period on the sidelines, given Jak Alnwick’s strong performance in goal for Cardiff City and the team’s exit from the League Cup. As anticipated, Runarsson went without a game for almost two months, a stretch spanning eight matches.
Following Alnwick’s concession of three goals to Norwich City before the international break, Cardiff manager Erol Bulut opted to give Runarsson another opportunity in the upcoming match against Preston North End. Alnwick, having made his last Championship start on September 2nd and his last start in any competition on September 27th, was relegated to the bench for the Arsenal loanee.
In the match, Runarsson made one save, a high claim, and a successful run out as Cardiff secured a 2-1 victory. However, he couldn’t escape scrutiny for the goal conceded. A mistake by Mark McGuinness left Milutin Osmajic with a clear chance on goal, with no defenders in sight and Runarsson positioned well outside his penalty area. Despite McGuinness being primarily at fault, Runarsson received some criticism. As he hurried to regain position, he exposed too much of the goal to Osmajic, who easily converted the chance.
Although the blame for the goal lay with McGuinness, Cardiff City fans on social media expressed discontent with Runarsson’s performance and suggested that Alnwick, his goalkeeping rival, might have handled the situation better. Despite the team securing three points, sentiments on social media indicate a decline in confidence in Runarsson, with some fans calling for Alnwick to be reinstated.
