This might go against the grain with some of you but I make no apology. I thought the team were absolutely magnificent last night and I was truly proud of their efforts against arguably the best club side in the world right now. BUT Having been partially to blame for the defeat against Wolves by making a rash decision, Fieldings performance was below par and he was responsible for yet more poor judgement in coming for the cross from which Man City got their winner. His handling all night was also poor and we need a much better keeper in my opinion and not one that looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Discuss
Strange, I thought Frankie was candidate for MotM - and so did a random City fan I met in the pub last night. A couple of blinding saves in the first half stopped it being 3-0 at half time. Funny how we can all watch the same game and see something completely different!!!
Agree he frightens me everytime he kicks the ball.Steele has been poor in the last few games as well.
I thought Fielding did well, wouldn't blame him for the two goals.....split second decision was made to meet the cross, on another day would have been the right one.. I was proud of all of them.
Thats a harsh call Angelic. I would agree that FF gives you a heart in mouth moment every time the ball comes in the box, but he is a very good shot stopper and proved it again against Man City
Shay Given praised him. But we’re not Bristol City without finding one problem, which most of us are guilty off
I just think it's fantastic that our team achieved the result they did, I woke up this morning buzzing like I haven't in an age, the airwaves are full of compliments with regard to Bristol City, our team, our players, our management and dare I say it our City has gained a reputation sky high in all directions. I don't care if we are thumped on the return leg they all deserve all the of credit they get and good luck to them all and I must add what a class act Man City and their team are.
If Bristol City are looking to make improvement in the future. Bristol City play through the thirds. Bristol City play high lines. It is far harder to do both if Bristol City's keeper is not adept at distributing the ball and does not play outside the box. Shot stopping is not the sole primary function of a goal keeper and is why Bravo is at Man City and Hart is not.
If I was Fielding I would be very proud.......It took Two "WORLD" class players to get past him...hey it happens!!
Its ok. I quite like Frank Fielding. Seems a good bloke. More than good shot stopper but if Bristol City are to continue to progress the distribution from the first third has to be addressed. Shot stopping is not enough any more. The Keeper touches the ball more with his feet than the centre forward does in modern football. And if that Keeper cannot move the ball quickly to feet in a team that plays through the thirds like BCFC its football will suffer. Liam Walsh looks to have the skill set that will exactly fit BCFC.
I think you all know my opinion of Frank Fielding, however I can't fault him for his performance last night. I don't think necessarily he made 'world class' saves either but please give credit for his positioning at least. I've seen criticism elsewhere of the 2nd goal but for crying out loud it's a split second decision. Football is a lot harder the other side of the white line. It's been used many times in the last 24 hours but only one word does it for me - Proud. Incredibly proud of my football club.
The equaliser could be viewed as more disappointing. The half decent (!!) Kevin De Bruyne was left unmarked in the centre of the pitch to receive the ball from his Keeper. It was Bristol Citys appetite that caused that, the same enthusiasm that forced that Mangler (touch like one for tens of millions) into a error that led to the opening goal. Two edged sword good and bad. I enjoy the metamorphosis of seeing a BCFC team you can tell kids to have a look at as being an example of playing football in a positive technical manner, or having players like Joe Bryan to aspire to be like. The Gas can have the hoofers.
I, like you Redprintt, don't think Fielding's the best in the business and like you couldn't fault his performance last night.. Two or three quality signings to come on when needed, we may have something special going on at Ashton Gate.....(of course with LJ in charge)!! Even you have to say, his setup, formation and the football being played is impressive!
this time last year I kept my head down when most around were........ this year it is a case of well that was a super ride to end 2017, and to hope 2018 is the up turn at the bottom of the water slide that gives you a breathtaking moment, floating in the air, before the big splash!!! lets hope ours is a splash that is an enjoyable one, not a belly flop! COYR
People keep stopping me in the corridor saying how well we did - a proud time to be a City fan on the South Coast!!
