Should Sheyi Ojo's goal have stood, why didn't Patrick Roberts feature and where can Neil Warnock's side finish?: Cardiff vs Middlesbrough Q&A

George Saville headed Boro ahead eight minutes before half-time, yet the Teessiders were pegged back when Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo turned home Kieffer Moore’s header from close range.

Warnock clearly felt Cardiff’s leveller should have been disallowed for a block on Saville, which left Moore unmarked in the box.

Yet it was another encouraging display from the Teessiders who will be looking up the table rather than down this campaign, even if their squad remains low on numbers.

In a new feature, we examine some of the key talking points and questions from the 1-1 draw in South Wales.

Should Cardiff’s goal have stood?

Warnock was quite adamant Cardiff’s equaliser should have been disallowed after Saville appeared to be blocked by midfielder Will Vaulks, allowing Moore to have a free header.

On review, it certainly looked like it was a planned move from the Bluebirds so their best aerial assist could find space in the box.

Cardiff aren’t the first team to use this tactic and won’t be the last, so it really comes down to the referee’s interpretation of the rule.

The man in charge, John Brooks, had a good view of the incident and it appears more clarity is needed on what is allowed.

Why didn’t Patrick Roberts feature?

After watching Roberts make his first appearance of the season against Bristol City, many Boro fans will have been surprised to see the playmaker start on the bench at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Instead, Warnock went with Marcus Tavernier and Marvin Johnson to provide extra security on the flanks, as Boro switched to a 4-3-3 system.

Roberts’ quality in the final third is clear for all to see, yet Warnock knew his side would have to be solid at the back against his former club.

When these sides met at the end of last season, Boro were cut open on several occasions and were too easy to play against during a 3-1 defeat.

Warnock clearly didn’t want a repeat of that and was prepared to sacrifice some attacking prowess to make his side more robust.

Can Boro challenge for a play-off spot?

It’s clear Warnock will be looking up the table rather than down this year after last season’s relegation battle.

The Teessiders are 13th in the division after seven games but, considering the quality of the opponents they’ve faced, it can be seen as a solid start.

Boro have shown they are a difficult side to beat and can match any team in the division.

The only problem is their lack of squad depth, and a couple of injuries could leave the Teessiders in real trouble.

If they can keep players fit, though, there’s no reason why Boro shouldn’t be challenging for a top six spot.

Under Warnock, this group of players have shown what they are capable of and are now performing on a consistent basis.

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