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BRISTOL City’s four-game winning run in the Championship came to an end at Ashton Gate on Friday night, despite going ahead after 40 seconds.
Jamie Paterson capitalised on Marc Roberts’ weak back-pass to round goalkeeper Lee Camp and give the hosts a perfect start, but Lee Johnson’s side were 2-1 behind by half-time.
Scott Hogan’s tap-in equaliser, after Dan Bentley had saved Jeremie Bela’s powerful effort, was the first goal that the Robins had conceded in 383 minutes of league action.
The visitors took the lead when a right-wing cross from 16-year-old Jude Bellingham was glanced into his own net by Andreas Weimann at the near post. And they wrapped up victory in second-half stoppage time, Lukas Jutkiewicz showing great strength to hold off the home defence and then great poise to loft in Blues’ third over Bentley. Here’s what we learned from the game.
CITY’S HOME FORM SUCKS THE Robins just can’t do it at home. Is it stage fright? Are they unable to perform on the big stage? Do the fans play a part?
Just three wins in the last nine home Championship matches is the sort of form that will not see a top-six position taken. It’s a clear area to improve, and arguably the last thing needed to solidify the team as top-six material.
At home, with the emphasis on attacking and breaking down the opposition, City just don’t create enough opportunities.
They don’t dominate enough. The players need to show more desire and aggression on the pitch.
Kasey Palmer, who was missing due to chest pains (respiratory rather than heart-related) could be key, while there is also Tomas Kalas to return and the three January signings to bed in. Cause for optimism that the club can get this right.
LEE JOHNSON NEEDS TIME THE head coach needs some time to sort things out, especially where the new signings are concerned. However, time to work with the recent recruits is in short supply, with another six games to come this month - and Derby County and Leeds United to play over the next seven days
That, in part, is an inherent negative of trading in January, as anyone coming in needs to hit the ground running.
At least Johnson admitted in the press conference after the game that he got things wrong, explaining that he threw caution to the wind too early in the second half, as both wing-backs were withdrawn to get Filip Benkovic and Nahki Wells on to the pitch.
City looked disorganised and unsure of the plan for the final halfhour, with players taking up the same positions, making the same runs and not knowing where to be.
That was always going to happen with the changing of the guard. But, given time, the head coach will likely rectify things – as he showed recently at Reading as his team conjured up a superb display bristling with the confidence from being well drilled and all knowing the game-plan.
“We lacked that bit of quality and they defended well,” said Johnson. There are 15 games to find that missing piece of the jigsaw.
Arguably Johnson faces a tough time finding another new system and formation to make the best of his rejuvenated squad, after he
finally devised a 4-1-4-1 set-up that gets the most of his key players.
Back to the drawing board? It appears so, but solutions need to be found quickly.
BENKOVIC MUST DO BETTER NEW signing Filip Benkovic got a good half-an-hour on the pitch and looked tidy on the ball and provided a good physical presence, as that 6ft 4ins frame should do.
However, the Croatian was at fault for Birmingham’s third goal. Ashley Williams should have headed away Camp’s long ball initially, but when Jutkiewicz took up possession there was still a good chance for Benkovic to mop up. His challenge was too soft, however, and the Blues striker was able to dink the ball over over Bentley to settle the contest.
Welcome to BS3, Filip, but much better will be expected very soon. In fact, with Kalas set to return, there may not be starts coming any time soon for the Croatian.
“He’ll be disappointed with that and Jutkiewicz is probably one of the strongest target men in the division. That’s a lesson in itself to either be smarter or more aggressive towards one of the wiliest cats in the division,” said Johnson.
PEP CLOTET AND SCOTT
HOGAN
WERE Birmingham there for the taking? Most of the squad played in some 120 minutes of FA Cup action against Coventry last Tuesday, but manager Clotet had his side looking energetic and dangerous throughout this televised contest.
As for Hogan, the Robins must hate the sight of him after he scored his fourth goal in three appearances against them. The on-loan Aston Villa player was a menace all evening.
“He said to me on the Thursday before the game that every time he plays against Bristol City he scores,” said Clotet, while Johnson remarked: “I hate anyone that scores against us.”
City’s head coach added: “He’s a good player and has always been. He’s always sharp and off-theshoulder. He was one that was considered by us as well, but obviously he went to Birmingham City and good luck to the lad.”
PATERSON STRIKES AGAIN
IF there was one bright spot it was that Paterson continues to play well, scoring his third goal in five games for the Robins.
It was his fourth league strike of the season and the former Derby County loanee will relish the game against the Rams on Wednesday.
Paterson racked up eight goals in his first season with Nottingham Forest at Championship level and, if he can sustain his current scoring rate, he may go close to equalling or bettering that record.
In fact, Paterson’s rate of 0.7 goals per 90 minutes is the best such stat in the whole of the City squad, even though it is likely unsustainable over the longer term.
Still, the 28-year-old, who always adds creativity, unpredictability and that bit of quality to the Robins’ attacking play, is on a hot streak just now – and long may it continue.