Nigel Pearson reveals the quality which propelled Bristol City to victory over Stoke City Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson admits his side lacked fluidity and creativity in the final third but they delivered a committed display to edge the Potters 1-0 please log in to view this image Nigel Pearson praised the desire of his Bristol City team as they emerged victorious at Ashton Gate after Stoke City had dominated for large spells of the game. A familiar story was in danger of playing out in BS3 as Tyreeq Bakinson put City in the lead before half-time, against the run of play after Steven Fletcher had struck the post and crossbar for the visitors. With the one-goal advantage, however, City surrendered possession after the break inviting pressure onto themselves and equaliser appeared inevitable, as has been the case so many times this season. But the Robins dug in, albeit assisted by some wasteful Stoke finishing, their performance typified by the energy and tenacity of teenage midfielders Alex Scott and Ayman Benarous. "It was a tough game," Pearson said. "We struggled to find a lot of real creativity but what stands out tonight was the desire to keep the ball out the back of the net. "We’ve had some difficult moments this season which we have talked about at length, in terms of losing points late in a game and so tonight was a very important experience for the players out there. "The youngsters were exceptional, and our senior players have shown a really good example too in terms of doing what we need to do as a side. "I never kid myself after a result against a side that we know are quite a potent force and they started the game well but I don’t think it effected our confidence or our ability to work ourselves into the game. "The result is a lot more important than the performance let’s put it like that but in terms of the performance. "If you look at it from a purist footballing sense, it’s a difficult one to say we played with a lot of fluidity but we had our moments where we caused them problems, especially in wide areas where we talked about when they defend deep they defend very narrow so we had to work the ball well in both areas. please log in to view this image "I thought Callum O’Dowda’s second half performance in terms of doing a one-to-one job on their wingback and creating some dangerous situations was good. I thought the two kids, Alex Scott and Ayman Benaroius, were outstanding." Scott was once again stationed in the unfamiliar position of right wing-back, and was repeatedly targeted by Stoke's Josh Tymon but stood up to the challenge throughout, while Benarous - in only his second senior start - was a tigerish presence in midfield. Pearson also hailed the work rate of his front two, Chris Martin and Andi Weimann, as they once again defended from the front and got through a ton of work to keep the Robins in the contest. please log in to view this image Martin came closest to scoring after some nice build-up down the left which led to O'Dowda swinging in a dangerous cross and the veteran striker was inches away from converting with a diving header. "When you have a front two like we have, regardless of the quality that comes up to them, their work rate is really good," Pearson added. "Consider that they are experienced players in their 30s, they were both really, good tonight in terms of working for us and it was needed. "Chrissy from a fabulous cross from Callum, if he’d have scored that diving header I think the place would have erupted, it was an exciting move and I think what you have to look at in games like this when they’re tight against a pretty accomplished side is you’ve got to work hard to make openings and that was half a chance but it was something that we had to work really hard for." https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/bristol-city-nigel-pearson-stoke-6257081
Great result and a gutsy performance - and a welcome 3 points. I can't fault the lads today - apart from Massengo perhaps, for risking the 'penalty' which wasn't given - well done everyone.
Some positive comment from the manager ~ *"The youngsters were exceptional, and our senior players have shown a really good example too in terms of doing what we need to do as a side. * Tenacity of teenage midfielders Alex Scott and Ayman Benarous. * "We struggled to find a lot of real creativity but what stands out tonight was the desire to keep the ball out the back of the net. * "When you have a front two like we have, regardless of the quality that comes up to them, their work rate is really good," * "I thought Callum O’Dowda’s second half performance in terms of doing a one-to-one job on their wingback and creating some dangerous situations was good.
If that was a penalty there’d be several in most games. It’s become a bit of a farce, but that’s modern football. If you watch that corner there were half a dozen similar struggles going on. Also the guy had hold of Hans hair. Correct decision IMO.
well he seems to be doing OK! When a few on here were saying was cra* .. NP came out with "how good he was doing the job expected" in his current position he doesnt need to do 70m in 6 secs!
Wouldn't say he was crap, but he is learning......needs to think more when he has the ball...quite often his decision making lets him down.....Mass was the same, over rushed things, but much much better now..
HNM is getting brought on for that extra bit of energy ... NP sort of said he needs to control it .. and started using as a power sub! Bakinson [ check back a few months if you so wish ] I said he should be playing, as should Antoine. an associate who see's most of the u23's playing said Janneh is quite sharp. interesting is the title of the thread.. my friend at the game, earlier said " right title but wrong application " although we got the points was propelled toward defending and should have been to attack" get that sorted and we will be going to WEMBLEY!!!
Even RP’s mate Wagstaff managed to grab a few goals in his time here. Delighted for the lad, but I’m afraid that doesn’t make him ‘good’ overnight.
thats why we are not the manager! or maybe just, that our opinions are, because we do not see beyond 90 minutes of footballing action, and the need to get pts or goals, fallible! I used to love being behind the goal for almost 4 decades and getting a really good look down the pitch, especially when attacking the open end and seeing the team coming up it ... beats being on the side!!!
