Striker Michael Chopra apologised to Cardiff fans in case his goal celebration during the Blues’ 3-0 victory over the Bluebirds at Portman Road yesterday had offended them. The one-time Cardiff frontman had said he wouldn’t celebrate — as he hadn’t earlier in the season when he scored in the fixture in Wales — but said emotion overtook him when he netted his fifth goal in four games and his 12th of the campaign.
Chopra tweeted last night: "Well, another win, another three points, four wins on the bounce now. Great team effort today so pleased I scored. The reason I celebrated was my emotions took over my head. Sorry if I've upset some Cardiff fans.”
The Blues striker added that he was surprised by his old club’s direct approach at Portman Road: "Very strange how a Cardiff team can just play so many long balls when you have a player like [Peter Whittingham] in your team that makes things happen.”
The 28-year-old, who has targeted 20 goals for the season, is now the joint-third top scorer in the division and is looking to get ahead of Southampton’s Rickie Lambert (16) and Leeds frontman Ross McCormack (15) as he helps the Blues into a top six finish he still believes is possible: "Anyway buzzing, another goal to add to my tally 12 this season might as well go for the golden boot now! #play-offs?”
A number of other Town players have added their thoughts on yesterday’s game on Twitter, central defender Tommy Smith amongst them: "Four on the bounce! Another great shift put in by all the lads and the fans were quality yet again! And a clean sheet as well to top it off!”
Full-back Aaron Cresswell, like Chopra, is also eyeing a late play-off charge: "Great display and win again! Well done boys! #itfc #playoffs?”
Keeper Arran Lee-Barrett added: "Three points today. There's a real buzz in the squad, playing with belief and confidence. The fans are creating such an atmosphere!”
Former Cardiff loanee Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was off out to celebrate the victory against his old club: "The feeling I have after today is great, time to have a good night with my boys.”