‘A frustrating night at Ashton Gate’

It would be hard to describe City’s start to the season as ideal, but those who are already preaching the doom should hold fire before they start their familiar – but increasingly dull – calls for a management change.

Last Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Bolton appeared on the face of it to be a little disappointing, but on further inspection fans need not be too disheartened by an away point at the strangely-named University of Bolton Stadium.

The two goals we conceded left questions to be asked of our defence and their vulnerability to balls coming into the box. Inevitably, those questions allude to the possibility City might be missing the defensive aerial prowess of a certain Aden Flint. It’s hard to deny when re-watching the first goal at Bolton that our former centre-back’s presence could have made a difference.

Despite the obvious negatives, to come back from a two goal deficit showed real character as well as attacking prowess. Weimann looks a class act and although reports suggest that Patterson again had a poor game it is great for his confidence to get on the score sheet.

Fast-forward just three days as Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle fans encountered a case of deja-vu from last season, though sadly for us the score was somewhat different from last year’s 5-0 drubbing of the South coast team.

Much has been made of what was a frustrating night at Ashton Gate, mostly centred around Johnson’s team selection that saw eight changes. In my view the changes made sense, and much like Johnson said himself, I’d say there were positives and negatives from the evening.

Despite the loss City had vast sums of possession creating endless chances. On another night one or two of those could have easily squeezed in and people would have been reflecting on the match very differently. But, that being, said it is hard to say we played anywhere near as well as we know we can do.

It felt to me as if we lacked a cutting edge, specifically in the final third. Mo Eisa looked promising but raw and Taylor had the worst game I’ve seen him play in a City shirt. Other notable poor performances came from both wide men, Watkins and O’Dowda, who both had little impact on the game.

I personally thought Smith did well and might have earned himself a recall for the weekend. Another highlight was Lloyd Kelly at the back who is looking more and more a Championship footballer. One player who seemed to divide opinion a little was Liam Walsh. I thought the young midfielder looked good on the ball but was a little ineffective overall. It is important to remember, however, that at just 20 Walsh still looks a tantalising prospect.

City welcome the aforementioned Aden Flint back to Ashton Gate this weekend in what will surely be their toughest test so far this season against Tony Pulis’ Middlesbrough side. I am sure Aden will receive a heartfelt and warm reception and I am looking forward to seeing him play. It is a shame that we won’t be seeing him compete with Diedhiou, however.

Johnson suggested after the Plymouth game that City are unlikely to be bringing in any more players before the loan deadline closes at the end of the month. I have to say, Lee, if you are reading this: please reconsider your stance. Given Taylor’s abject performance and question marks over Fielding’s fitness, a keeper and a striker must be in the thoughts of our recruitment team.

Lastly, I would like to tip my hat to Joe Bryan. News emerged this week that the player is personally refunding fans who bought a shirt this season with his name on the back. We knew that Joe was a decent bloke and this further goes to show that. I for one will always hold Bryan in the highest esteem and I must confess it was a real thrill to see him and Bobby featuring in the opening day of the Premiership season.