There was a real sense of missed opportunity on Saturday afternoon as Bristol City conceded that late goal against Wigan which saw three points pass them by.
It would have been easy to let that dent confidence ahead of a huge game against West Brom but it did the opposite and galvanised the players.
In the first 20 minutes Bristol City were sensational!
Although at 3-0 up I am sure not many thought even that would be enough given the Sunderland game last season.
The maturity of this side was encapsulated by Matty Taylor’s unselfish actions in the dying moments. He could easily have gone for goal but instead went to the corner to kill time. Something the Robins should have done on Saturday, so let’s take a few moments to appreciate Taylor and the impact he has on this side.
He finally got his start for Bristol City on Saturday against Wigan and took the chance. In a lacklustre first half he was closing down, sliding into tackles and prompting the Ashton Gate crowd to get involved.
Then to score that header when he is not the tallest player was testament to his movement and skill.
He was one of the best players on Saturday and to be dropped must have been so disappointing, so to come on and turn down the chance to get another goal and go to the corner speaks volumes of the man.
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It also speaks volumes about how he views this club, he loves it and does not want to go anywhere despite limited game time.
Johnson cannot really drop Andreas Weimann now and Taylor must know that deep down yet he still turns up and gives his all. If Weimann were to have an off game against Villa I’d like to see Taylor introduced a little earlier to give him more time to make an impact.
Goals have been a problem but the strikers are coming good at a perfect time. Okay, Famara Diedhiou could do with a goal but he is an absolute workhorse and that physicality he was accused of lacking at times has been there as he’s battled against some giants of defenders.
For much of the season he has led the line alone which is not an easy task and now he has someone to play with he is carrying out his role superbly.
Andreas Weimann had only scored one goal since August and suddenly has another four to his tally. A big part of that of course was his hat-trick against Sheffield United and you can see how much confidence he has when he went for goal against West Brom instead of putting in Diedhiou.
Such is Weimann’s golden touch at the moment that his decision actually led to him scoring from the resulting play.
Aston Villa on Saturday is a sell-out and yet another big game for the Robins. I feel like many times this season when facing big away trips I’ve written a draw would be a good result and that is the case this time, but three points are so achievable for this team right now.
Bristol City given big boost as Aston Villa suffer crucial selection setback
Bristol City will be boosted by Tyrone Mings’ absence due to his red card against Rotherham in mid-week. Mings and Kortney Hause have built a formidable partnership at the heart of Villa’s defence but without this they suddenly look vulnerable so this must be viewed as an opportunity.
It’s mid April and Bristol City still occupy a play off spot, they have absolutely defied expectations and with just six games to go that spot is theirs to lose.
