Cardiff boss Neil Warnock felt his side’s performance in Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss at Arsenal was a fitting tribute to Emiliano Sala.
The Bluebirds’ first game since the disappearance of the aeroplane carrying striker Sala and pilot David Ibbotson was a sombre occasion, with the relegation-threatened visitors trying to seize on the Gunners’ defensive uncertainty.
Related: Howe Keeps Cool Despite Poor Run
However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half penalty and Alexandre Lacazette’s solo strike saw Arsenal prevail to move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s stoppage-time effort proving mere consolation.
Warnock spoke of the anguish the club had been through over the last week, and says he is proud with how his players reacted out on the Emirates pitch.
“We spoke about it before the kick-off: for Emiliano we ought to try to put a performance in,” Warnock said. “I can’t explain how it’s been this week.
You’ve not really wanted to get out of bed, because you know what’s coming.
“Everything was really miserable. Nobody could actually do anything about it. In the circumstances, we’ve only worked on it for 24 hours, the system and everything.
“They couldn’t have given me any more tonight. I’m proud to be their manager tonight.”
