Football Statistics show how City make life hard for themselves

BRISTOL City reached another unwanted defensive milestone on Saturday as they headed into the 70s for the number of goals conceded this season, writes Richard Forrester.

The 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth means they have now shipped in 72 throughout the campaign, a record manager Nigel Pearson is all too aware of. The City boss often references it in his pre and post-match press conferences, how his side need to score two or three goals just to get something out of the game.

City have also conceded 35 goals since the turn of the year, only Reading and Peterborough have conceded more which further emphasises the defensive frailties the coaching staff have failed to eradicate.

Fortunately for the Robins, that defence has been counteracted by City’s impressive attacking unit who have scored 51 in 40 matches thanks to the unstoppable goalscoring form of Andi Weimann with 19 and the partnerships alongside Antoine Semenyo and Chris Martin.

The January arrival of Timm Klose has failed to plug the gap despite his strong performances and although Dan Bentley’s spell out of the team has rejuvenated his form, City are still conceding goals at an alarming rate.

They currently have the thirdworst record in the league behind Saturday’s opponents Peterborough (80) and Reading (74). It’s already the worst defensive record since 2012/13 when rock-bottom City shipped in 84 goals in their relegation campaign under Derek McInnes and Sean O’Driscoll. You need to go back 62 years for City’s worst defensive record when their goals against tally stood at 97 conceded in just 42 matches.