Lee Johnson believes there are causes for optimism for Bristol City despite a mounting injury crisis and their winless run extending to four games on Wednesday.
The Robins went down to a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth, with Netherlands international Arnaut Danjuma netting the crucial goal inside the final 10 minutes.
It was another cruel blow for City boss Dean Holden, whose side showed plenty of spirit at the Vitality Stadium but the Robins paid for missed chances.
Holden was without Andi Weimann, who is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Alfie Mawson and Steven Sessegnon are also set to be out for several months.
Their absences are compounded with injuries to Nathan Baker, Joe Williams and Liam Walsh, all of whom will be sideline for the next few weeks, prompting fears City's superb start to the season will be totally derailed.
But former Robins boss Johnson, who was on punditry duty on Quest on Wednesday night, believes there are reasons to be optimistic, with homegrown talents becoming key parts of the first team.
"I thought they (City) were very good first half," Johnson said.
"It was very good to see young players developed by the club, the likes of Tyreeq Bakinson and Antoine Semenyo, playing extremely well."
Johnson believed the Cherries' diagonal ball tactics paid off, putting pressure on City's back three after the break and Jason Tindall's side won the battle for second balls.
"Second half, Bournemouth really showed their class and came through and it was obviously a fantastic finish," the 39-year-old said.
"The tactic was to put the back three under pressure and pick up the second balls, and then it’s about playing in the final third.
"Great little one-two with Solanke and what a finish that is. A little dinky finish.
