Holden hails ‘incredible’ display from goalkeeper

DEAN Holden paid tribute to Daniel Bentley after seeing the goalkeeper help Bristol City to a fourth consecutive Championship victory, courtesy of a hard-fought success at Nottingham Forest.

City needed the stopper to be at his best to keep Sabri Lamouchi’s side at bay, after Luke Freeman’s spectacular goal had given the home side hope, following early goals from Andi Weimann and Nahki Wells.

Bentley made outstanding saves to deny Alex Mighten, Cyrus Christie and Lyle Taylor, as Forest looked for the win Lamouchi needed to ease the pressure on him, following four consecutive League defeats so far this season – and a longer run of just three wins in 20 games overall.

“We wanted to get on top of Forest early and avoid complacency, so to go 2-0 up was brilliant, with two good finishes and two good assists from Chris Martin,” said Holden.

“Then we switched off from a throw in and they created a few started to play. We got back in the game and the second half was the opposite. I don’t know why we play only when we need a reaction and not from minute one.

“This is a problem. This is not a friendly game. The league has started and, after four games we are where we are. We need to wake up. We need to take responsibility. Of course, the manager has more responsibility than anyone. The players, they are behind us. You saw us play last season when we produced great performances at home and away.

“The second half was much better, so we just need to click; we need to get out of this very bad situation.”

City remain neck and neck with Reading at the top, having won four matches out of four.