TALKING POINTS Momentum has been squandered ... and those dire defensive stats
PRESSURE MOUNTS AT KCOM AFTER THE TIGERS LOSE AT ASHTON GATE
Asecond away defeat inside four days saw Hull City return home emptyhanded once more as Grant Mccann’s men fell to a 2-1 loss at Bristol City. Jordy de Wijs’ second-half header threatened a comeback but the goals of Famara Diedhiou and Jamie Paterson condemned the Tigers to another damaging loss in their quest to secure Championship survival.
City are back in the bottom three with just four games left and in desperate need of a response when they host Millwall tomorrow.
Here are the talking points from a fruitless trip to Ashton Gate.
There was no denying the world felt a better place for City last Thursday. Mallik Wilks’ injury-time winner at home to
Middlesbrough promised to change everything but back-to-back away defeats have quickly burst that optimism.
The Tigers could take heart from a 4-2 loss at league-leaders West Brom on Sunday but defeat to Bristol City felt like a far greater opportunity squandered.
The Robins had not won in nine games to bring about the sacking of Lee Johnson over the weekend, with motivation thin on the ground for their remaining fixtures.
City were in a position to capitalise but this has become a team far too familiar with defeats.
It is now 12 in the last 16, making it a run of six points from a possible 48. Momentum is now with rivals once more. excellent spell when trailing 3-2 in the second half, with Wilks and Jon Toral both coming close. A third equaliser at the Hawthorns might have made it very different. There were further regrets to swallow at Ashton Gate. City were slow starters but enjoyed a very encouraging period until Diedhiou did what the visitors could not.
James Scott twice came close, while balls were fizzed through the box and corners cleared.
That was the point the Tigers had to get their noses in front and cling on to a lead against a host that had their own confidence issues.
City, though, make it too easy for opponents. None are questioning commitment levels but the quality in both boxes is too often missing.
Not so long ago, before the world changed so dramatically, Mccann called Jordy de Wijs the best centre-back in all of the Championship.
That was at a time City were missing the big Dutchman as things took a turn for the worse in February but his return to the side since lockdown has not seen the best of him. Not even close.
After conceding a penalty against Middlesbrough and losing Ahmed Hegazi from a set-piece at West Brom, De Wijs was caught out by Diedhiou for Bristol City’s opener at Ashton Gate.
The 25-year-old is far better than he has shown in the last month and it begs the question if the armband has quickly become a burden.
De Wijs was touted as City’s natural leader in the post Eric Lichaj days but the responsibilities - and pressure in a relegation fight - might not be helping.
The bottom half of the Championship table has an artificial appearance with four games to play.
Take 12 points away from Wigan Athletic after they entered administration last week and City’s health is much improved.
A three-point cushion would separate the Tigers from Barnsley, with both Luton and Wigan a point further behind.
City still have to play both Luton and Wigan in these remaining games but first there are some enormous fixtures to come this weekend.
Huddersfield host Luton today before Wigan then travel to Barnsley tomorrow afternoon when City host Millwall.
The Tigers have to avoid a third straight loss or someone from the chasing pack will be breathing down their neck.