Speaking after our 1-0 defeat against Cardiff City on Wednesday evening, Poya Asbaghi admitted it was a better performance from his side but, ultimately, insisted the Reds needed to be more clinical.
Barnsley were undone by Uche Ikpeazu’s second half strike in a contest they largely dominated – particularly in the first 45 – and also saw a last minute goal ruled out for offside on a frustrating evening at Oakwell.
“I think it’s another game with not a lot of chances for any of the teams, but I think in terms of how it looked we were the team that controlled the game even more; we pushed our opponents down more,” began Asbaghi.
“In the first half, it was a good performance from us with not conceding any chances and we were the ones creating.
“Then we got to the second half, and I think it was a more locked game somehow. But I really felt that we are the ones who really went to win the game and Cardiff were trying to defend the draw.
“Then they got the chance where they scored the goal; it’s a two v one situation for us and really tough for us to concede a goal at that moment and, in the end, it was a decisive goal.”
The Bluebirds’ chances were limited in what was a solid defensive display until Ikpeazu bundled his way into the area before bobbling his effort into the bottom corner.
Like against Bournemouth at the weekend, there are positives to take from this encounter, and Asbaghi is hoping that key, decisive moments will start to go our way sooner rather than later.
“It’s tough to talk about good performances when you have zero points from the game,” conceded our Head Coach. “Let’s be honest and say there’s been too many of these games this season where we feel that we are just as good as our opponents – and maybe even better – but we still end up losing. And that’s tough.
“What I do know is that we have to keep working in the way we did. You cannot complain so much about our working ability or belief during the game, and when you continue, these margins have to go in your favour in the end – that’s how football works.
“You have to really earn it and I felt that we earnt it, and if we didn’t, let’s make sure that we do a good performance in the next game – maybe even better – and I’m sure the margins will be with us.”
You can watch Poya’s post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.