Robins roar back to gain fifth successive victory at Stoke
Talking points from Bristol City’s victory against Stoke on Good Friday, by
WHAT is it about playing Stoke away from home? Nigel Pearson’s Bristol City made it five victories in a row in the Potteries, ending Alex Neil’s run of good form against the Robins in the process.
After 45 minutes, it seemed as though the Stoke boss would extend his impressive run against City, having only lost one in his last eight contests, but the visitors pulled their fingers out in the second half to secure a memorable and deserved victory.
It was a game of two firsts with Zak Vyner grabbing his first of the season from Sam Bell’s cross on the left touchline. Then, five minutes before the full-time whistle, Andi Weimann sparked an attack by pinching the ball from Ben Pearson. He slipped in Nahki Wells, who allowed Anis Mehmeti to grab his first goal in City colours.
More than 1,100 travelling fans were clambering over each other in the away end making their trip up north entirely worth it. Coincidentally, there was just one minute separating Mehmeti’s goal this season compared to Jay Dasilva’s late winner 12 months ago.
THE GAME-CHANGER
NIGEL Pearson didn’t mince his words in his post-match press conference. He described the first 20 minutes as “awful” and it’s difficult to argue with that.
City were sloppy in possession, slow to the second ball and were instantly on the back foot. Stoke dictated the play, winning the midfield battle with Matty James and Omar Taylor-Clarke overrun.
Tommy Conway was also being forced to drop back and do his defensive duties, while the two centre-backs Zak Vyner and Cam Pring were having little success in possession. The game-plan looked clear, they wanted to free Sam Bell early but the direct passes were bread and butter for the Stoke centre-backs who were able to recycle the ball and get Stoke pushing forward again.
That was until Taylor-Clarke came off injured in the 21st minute with a calf issue. While he was receiving treatment, City were able to regroup in front of the away dugout, listening intently to Pearson’s instructions while Andy King stripped and prepared himself to come on.
It was the change that altered the momentum of the game. While there’s no criticism directed at Taylor-Clarke, King’s experience added a calmness on the ball and City found their stride, missing two glorious chances through Wells and Weimann.
City were still second best on the whole in that first half, but there was certainly a marked improvement, while King’s organisation in the second period alongside Matty James proved key in allowing the visitors to put the hosts under pressure. They provided more protection in front of the defence, keeping Will Smallbone quiet which allowed the centre-backs more time to get on the ball and build from the back.
While the change was unexpected and unfortunate for TaylorClarke, it certainly helped City settle into the game.
HARRY CORNICK IN THE GROOVE
IT’S fair to say he’s had some teething issues since signing for City but over the last two substitute appearances, Cornick is starting to show he’s settling into life with the club and building a rapport with his team-mates.