Cardiff City should be feeling extremely unlucky indeed after they suffered a tough 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

In an afternoon where the spoils could have very much been shared, Cardiff boss Neil Warnock will feel his side were more than worthy of at least a point at St James’ Park.

The Bluebirds have a tough run of games on the horizon but they should take some real heart from an encouraging display.

A Yoan Gouffran goal ensured all three points stayed with a Newcastle side that are looking increasingly sure of securing promotion back to the top-flight week-after-week.

But despite the defeat, we feel the Bluebirds showed plenty of fight in the North East, typical of a side that has spent time with Championship veteran Neil Warnock.

And with that in mind, we think Cardiff City will survive the drop and here’s THREE reasons why…

They’re already showing signs of improvement under Warnock

Despite only being at the Cardiff helm for a couple of weeks, there are already some telling signs that Cardiff City are beginning to improve under Neil Warnock.

The former Rotherham and Queens Park Rangers man always seems able to turn the fortunes of his teams around and it could yet be fine for Cardiff City too.

The defence is looking better and the team is playing with more confidence. Give him more time and they should continue to improve.

Junior Hoilett was an inspired signing

The moment Junior Hoilett made his first appearance for Cardiff City, it was clear the Canadian international will bring a whole host of quality to the Bluebirds forward line.

Against Newcastle he was a real bright spark and most of Cardiff’s good attacking play came through him.

Chased back and helped out in defence whilst providing a real attacking outlet going forward. He could very much be the man to lead this Cardiff revival.

Rickie Lambert has goals in him

Although he's injured, Lambert is a goalscorer.

He’s had a tough couple of years but like Hoilett, another new signing showed signs of promise in the game against the Toon.

Despite not scoring, Rickie Lambert battled fantastically up top on his own, until being substituted for Maroaune Chamakh.

He’s going to get goals eventually and if his performance against Newcastle was anything to go by, things will continue to pick up in the striking department for the Bluebirds.