Our look at the talking points coming out of Ipswich Town’s 0-0 draw with Cardiff at Portman Road

East Anglian Daily Times: Christophe Berra battles for a high ball during the Ipswich Town v Cardiff City (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 31 October 2015. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.comChristophe Berra battles for a high ball during the Ipswich Town v Cardiff City (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 31 October 2015. Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com (Image: © Copyright Stephen Waller)

That’s more like it

Jonny Parr said after last weekend’s draw at Nottingham Forest that the Blues were starting to regain their identity. They took another step yesterday.

It wasn’t a win, but the Blues were as back to their solid best, albeit against a Cardiff side who aren’t exactly free-scoring themselves.

Christophe Berra and Tommy Smith looked more like the partnership which gave the Blues so much stability last season, while Luke Chambers performed well at right back and also delivered a number of teasing crosses in attack.

Cole Skuse and Kevin Bru offer the backline plenty of protection, which all helped the Blues look watertight all afternoon.

But there’s still a long way to go

While yesterday’s game was an improvement in many areas, the fact is the Blues have now scored just once in five games.

Playing three strikers has shown more intent, but with Daryl Murphy still a shadow of his former self in front of goal and chances not exactly free-flowing, there’s still plenty more to do.

Murphy’s effort which David Marshall tipped onto the woodwork would probably have found the net last season, while he was put through for two near one-on-ones which would almost certainly have resulted in goals in 2014/15.

All he needs is one, but that’s been the case for a fair while now.

Getting the best out of Freddie Sears

A lot has been said about building a side around David McGoldrick, but is Freddie Sears being given the best chance to shine?

Ipswich’s leading scorer, and standout player earlier in the campaign, largely found himself out wide against Cardiff, firstly in a 4-3-3 and then on the right of midfield following the switch to 4-4-2.

He did come inside on a handful of occasions and picked up the ball before driving towards goal, but wasn’t able to effect the game as much as he maybe would have had he been played through the middle.

Does his early-season form give him a claim to be the Blues’ main man?

Another solid display from Gerken

The Town keeper’s seemingly always under the spotlight, but once again he put in a solid display.

Highlights included stops from Aron Gunnarsson and Sammy Ameobi, but he looked neat and tidy in everything he did as the game passed without drama.

The best of Berra?

Was yesterday’s game the best Christophe Berra has played this season?

He was as consistent as they come last season but started this campaign a little slow by his standards. He looked back to his best yesterday.

He contained Alex Revell both in the air and on the ground and barely gave the Bluebirds forwards an inch in a solid defensive display.

What got you talking after yesterday’s game?