Azkals’ Neil Etheridge Makes History in Cardiff’s First English Premier League Win

Cardiff City got its first win in their 2018-19 Premier League campaign last Saturday evening, October 20, beating Fulham 4-2. And in this victory, the Welsh club had a Filipino player make history.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, famous as a member of the Philippine Azkals, also became the first Southeast Asian representative to get a win while playing as a starter in the English Premier League.

A Thrilling Match

It might have taken nine games before the Bluebirds got their first victory, but they achieved it in grand fashion. The match produced six goals. One each for Josh Murphy, Bobby Reid, Callum Paterson, and Kadeem Harris on Cardiff’s side, while Fulham’s Andre Schurrle and Ryan Sessegnon scored respective goals.

For Etheridge, he was vital in securing the win. On top of a busy night, he managed to pull off two important saves. This type of performance is what makes the Filipino a main cog on the defensive end for Cardiff City Manager Neil Warnock.

With his stunning performance against Fulham, Etheridge is currently fourth place in the Premier League standings in terms of goalkeepers with the most number of shots saved for the season. He has 32 right now, and more can be added if he continues to play in top form for the rest of the campaign.