Match Report: Seaside fun as City dominate Blackpool but throw away all 3 points

[Olé]

Bristol City drew an absurd game of football where they went behind twice despite being by far the better side, scored three goals and, inexplicably gifted Blackpool a last gasp equaliser in a match which they were in total control of both on the pitch and noisily in the stands.

Roared on by a bumper away following in an otherwise quiet Bloomfield Road the dominance was in evidence right from the start as in the first minute Alex Scott’s inside ball allowed Tommy Conway to roam free, Andi Weimann teeing up Nahki Wells to curl onto the post.

But against the run of play on 7 minutes Scott’s casual sideways pass in midfield to no one in particular was seized upon by the hosts to break, winning a throw in on the left from which a ball into the box and Gary Madine’s slick touch allowed Josh Bowler to bury bottom corner.

On 10 Joe Williams sent Weimann clean through on goal as Blackpool’s defence opened up, City’s star man going for the lob and lifting the ball onto the roof of the net. It was all City and midway through the half Wells got to the byline and squared for Weimann to again lift over.

Yet in the sunshine in the North West there was always a threat on the break and Jerry Yates fired a warning shot past the post from a set piece, then from a marauding break down the right City chaotically cleared their lines as a header fell to goalscorer Bowler who fired over.

But deserved parity was secured a minute before half time as again City probed and Scott worked the ball inside for the irrepressible Conway who hooked a rising shot at the top corner which crashed in off the bar - the youngster continuing his rich vein of goalscoring form.

After the break - and the substitution of the ineffectual Han-Noah Massengo for Matty James - City continued to dominate and yet on 55 minutes Blackpool again broke down the right and crossed for Jordan Thornley to force a corner from which Yates bundled in a second.

This was now verging on the ridiculous that City could be down a second time in a match they had controlled in front of a noisy and expectant away following, but as with their cup tie at Wycombe, the introduction of fit again Antoine Semenyo was the cheat code they required.

The explosive forward netted within a minute of arriving, Conway striding forward through the middle and feeding Semenyo who showed close control to wriggle away from his marker and slot a low shot into the far bottom corner before celebrating in front of the away supporters.

Inside 70 minutes and it was three as Semenyo won a free kick on the left flank and just as he did last week Kal Naismith swung a devilish cross into the middle and Wells connected only to divert onto the crossbar but from the rebound Marvin Ekpiteta could only deflect the ball in.

3-2 up and City’s large following roared their approval, a boisterous end to a game they expected to win. In the final exchanges Callum Connolly fired wide given too much time, whilst a well worked move down the right saw Conway drop a shoulder and curl just past the top corner.

There was still time for City’s infamous ability to throw away points from winning positions as into injury time looking comfortable, cute passing triangles saw substitute King dawdle, and Naismith stupidly square across his own box to Zak Vyner who was robbed by Theo Corbeanu to score.

A ridiculous end to a match that City looked in control of and, even when behind, always looked likely winners of. The positive is their ability to fashion chances and the enterprise of Conway and Semenyo. The negative is a midfield that was easily bypassed with Scott and Massengo miscuing.

 

Bentley 6

Vyner 6

Naismith 6

Atkinson 6

Scott 5

Dasilva 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

Weimann 6

Conway 7

Wells 6

 

James 6

Semenyo 8

King 5

Edited August 28, 2022 by Olé

[mozo]

I think Scott played better than Weimann and Wells. Most of our attacks came down his side and he notched an assist too. I'd have him in the 6-7 range. 

Weimann was like the old Weimann before he got his super powers. He was less involved than usual and when he got the ball in dangerous areas his final ball was wayward. 

Wells played some nice stuff and some bad stuff all summed up in one move when he brilliantly brought the ball out of the air only to then miscontrol it out of play.

Williams didn't do much wrong and I'd give him a 7 and Conway an 8 for me.

It felt like it would be a goalfest right from the start. Very open.

Blackpool struggled with our neat build up play. We struggled with their more  agricultural 'direct' play.

In the end it was a really entertaining match, and whilst we're gutted to lose 2 points in injury time (PTSD triggered again), City played some lovely stuff, passing the ball nicely (actually enjoying possession!), and had some big positives to celebrate, namely the continuation of Tommy Conway's revelatory breakthrough and another lethal cameo from Antoine Semenyo.

If we can beat Huddersfield on Tuesday it'll be a good 4 points from 2 games. 

 

[Port Said Red]

I have no idea what 3rd goal you are describing, but I wouldn't recognise ours from yesterday from that description.

Naismith caught the goalkeeper out with a direct shot that he wasn't expecting, and he could only direct it at Wells. The ball bounced off Wells hit the bar and was already going in when it hit the defender. That's why Wells looked slightly disappointed because he knew he wasn't going to get the credit.

I think Wiemann looked only about 80% fit, so should get more credit for playing in both positions during the game.

Scott's mark is a joke, he provided an assist and the only reason he wasn't more effective is because Lavery kept fouling him.

The marking overall for the attacking players in a team that scored 3 goals and were a constant threat is less than generous.

Other than that, I agree with your report.

[Will Rollason]

20 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

I have no idea what 3rd goal you are describing, but I wouldn't recognise ours from yesterday from that description.

Naismith caught the goalkeeper out with a direct shot that he wasn't expecting, and he could only direct it at Wells. The ball bounced off Wells hit the bar and was already going in when it hit the defender. That's why Wells looked slightly disappointed because he knew he wasn't going to get the credit.

I think Wiemann looked only about 80% fit, so should get more credit for playing in both positions during the game.

Scott's mark is a joke, he provided an assist and the only reason he wasn't more effective is because Lavery kept fouling him.

The marking overall for the attacking players in a team that scored 3 goals and were a constant threat is less than generous.

Other than that, I agree with your report.

Wells headed it onto the bar. Their centre half couldn't get out of the way and it went in off him. 

That last goal is a hard watch isn't it? **** my old boots.  On chances tho it was a good point just feels like two thrown away.... onwards and upwards. 

Edited August 28, 2022 by Will Rollason

[cider hoss rules]

Not wishing to be pedantic, but not all three points were thrown away!

[189thoughts]

Can't believe people are saying Scott had a good game. He is a cracking player and looked dangerous going forward but lost the ball too often and was gotten the better of in that role. He should not be playing RWB.

That being said I think you have been far too kind to City. We may have dominated at times at their end but Blackpool always looked dangerous and Madine absolutely bullied our defenders. Thought their forwards had our back 5 beat far too frequently.

[Will Rollason]

1 hour ago, cider hoss rules said:

Not wishing to be pedantic, but not all three points were thrown away!

Don't think anyone has said so? I said two points. 

[cityexile]

3 minutes ago, Will Rollason said:

Don't think anyone has said so? I said two points. 

I think they are referring to the title.

[Will Rollason]

19 minutes ago, cityexile said:

I think they are referring to the title.

Ahh... right

[cidercity1987]

21 minutes ago, cityexile said:

I think they are referring to the title.

Depends how you read the title I suppose 

[Sleepy1968]

3 hours ago, Olé said:

Bristol City drew an absurd game of football where they went behind twice despite being by far the better side, scored three goals and, inexplicably gifted Blackpool a last gasp equaliser in a match which they were in total control of both on the pitch and noisily in the stands.

Roared on by a bumper away following in an otherwise quiet Bloomfield Road the dominance was in evidence right from the start as in the first minute Alex Scott’s inside ball allowed Tommy Conway to roam free, Andi Weimann teeing up Nahki Wells to curl onto the post.

But against the run of play on 7 minutes Scott’s casual sideways pass in midfield to no one in particular was seized upon by the hosts to break, winning a throw in on the left from which a ball into the box and Gary Madine’s slick touch allowed Josh Bowler to bury bottom corner.

On 10 Joe Williams sent Weimann clean through on goal as Blackpool’s defence opened up, City’s star man going for the lob and lifting the ball onto the roof of the net. It was all City and midway through the half Wells got to the byline and squared for Weimann to again lift over.

Yet in the sunshine in the North West there was always a threat on the break and Jerry Yates fired a warning shot past the post from a set piece, then from a marauding break down the right City chaotically cleared their lines as a header fell to goalscorer Bowler who fired over.

But deserved parity was secured a minute before half time as again City probed and Scott worked the ball inside for the irrepressible Conway who hooked a rising shot at the top corner which crashed in off the bar - the youngster continuing his rich vein of goalscoring form.

After the break - and the substitution of the ineffectual Han-Noah Massengo for Matty James - City continued to dominate and yet on 55 minutes Blackpool again broke down the right and crossed for Jordan Thornley to force a corner from which Yates bundled in a second.

This was now verging on the ridiculous that City could be down a second time in a match they had controlled in front of a noisy and expectant away following, but as with their cup tie at Wycombe, the introduction of fit again Antoine Semenyo was the cheat code they required.

The explosive forward netted within a minute of arriving, Conway striding forward through the middle and feeding Semenyo who showed close control to wriggle away from his marker and slot a low shot into the far bottom corner before celebrating in front of the away supporters.

Inside 70 minutes and it was three as Semenyo won a free kick on the left flank and just as he did last week Kal Naismith swung a devilish cross into the middle and Wells connected only to divert onto the crossbar but from the rebound Marvin Ekpiteta could only deflect the ball in.

3-2 up and City’s large following roared their approval, a boisterous end to a game they expected to win. In the final exchanges Callum Connolly fired wide given too much time, whilst a well worked move down the right saw Conway drop a shoulder and curl just past the top corner.

There was still time for City’s infamous ability to throw away points from winning positions as into injury time looking comfortable, cute passing triangles saw substitute King dawdle, and Naismith stupidly square across his own box to Zak Vyner who was robbed by Theo Corbeanu to score.

A ridiculous end to a match that City looked in control of and, even when behind, always looked likely winners of. The positive is their ability to fashion chances and the enterprise of Conway and Semenyo. The negative is a midfield that was easily bypassed with Scott and Massengo miscuing.

 

Bentley 6

Vyner 6

Naismith 6

Atkinson 6

Scott 5

Dasilva 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

Weimann 6

Conway 7

Wells 6

 

James 6

Semenyo 8

King 5

Thanks Olé.

From my limited view from RobinsTV I'd maybe drop a few scores down a mark from yours, but the general shape is consistant with my feelings.

I thought we were a bit sloppy, maybe believing our own hype, should have been a bit more clinical in front of goal in the first half, and a bit more organised at the back. We are still too easily rattled by "lump it in" teams, but the general performance was light years away from the one we put in up there earlier in the year, and that's with several players below par.

[maxjak]

6 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

I have no idea what 3rd goal you are describing, but I wouldn't recognise ours from yesterday from that description.

Naismith caught the goalkeeper out with a direct shot that he wasn't expecting, and he could only direct it at Wells. The ball bounced off Wells hit the bar and was already going in when it hit the defender. That's why Wells looked slightly disappointed because he knew he wasn't going to get the credit.

I think Wiemann looked only about 80% fit, so should get more credit for playing in both positions during the game.

Scott's mark is a joke, he provided an assist and the only reason he wasn't more effective is because Lavery kept fouling him.

The marking overall for the attacking players in a team that scored 3 goals and were a constant threat is less than generous.

Other than that, I agree with your report.

You are to receive this week's pedantry award  ........Congrat's.

Edited August 28, 2022 by maxjak

[Port Said Red]

2 minutes ago, maxjak said:

You are to receive this week's pedantry award  ........Congrat's.

[REDOXO]

7 hours ago, Port Said Red said:

I have no idea what 3rd goal you are describing, but I wouldn't recognise ours from yesterday from that description.

Naismith caught the goalkeeper out with a direct shot that he wasn't expecting, and he could only direct it at Wells. The ball bounced off Wells hit the bar and was already going in when it hit the defender. That's why Wells looked slightly disappointed because he knew he wasn't going to get the credit.

I think Wiemann looked only about 80% fit, so should get more credit for playing in both positions during the game.

Scott's mark is a joke, he provided an assist and the only reason he wasn't more effective is because Lavery kept fouling him.

The marking overall for the attacking players in a team that scored 3 goals and were a constant threat is less than generous.

Other than that, I agree with your report.

I agree. Perhaps I’m a pedant too!?

However the big take away of the marking for me is our expectations have risen. To mark players at 5 or 6 with one seven after playing bright attacking football and coming back twice, implies to me our expectations of our players and team have risen will beyond the detritus of the last four years. 

[pillred]

10 hours ago, Olé said:

Bristol City drew an absurd game of football where they went behind twice despite being by far the better side, scored three goals and, inexplicably gifted Blackpool a last gasp equaliser in a match which they were in total control of both on the pitch and noisily in the stands.

Roared on by a bumper away following in an otherwise quiet Bloomfield Road the dominance was in evidence right from the start as in the first minute Alex Scott’s inside ball allowed Tommy Conway to roam free, Andi Weimann teeing up Nahki Wells to curl onto the post.

But against the run of play on 7 minutes Scott’s casual sideways pass in midfield to no one in particular was seized upon by the hosts to break, winning a throw in on the left from which a ball into the box and Gary Madine’s slick touch allowed Josh Bowler to bury bottom corner.

On 10 Joe Williams sent Weimann clean through on goal as Blackpool’s defence opened up, City’s star man going for the lob and lifting the ball onto the roof of the net. It was all City and midway through the half Wells got to the byline and squared for Weimann to again lift over.

Yet in the sunshine in the North West there was always a threat on the break and Jerry Yates fired a warning shot past the post from a set piece, then from a marauding break down the right City chaotically cleared their lines as a header fell to goalscorer Bowler who fired over.

But deserved parity was secured a minute before half time as again City probed and Scott worked the ball inside for the irrepressible Conway who hooked a rising shot at the top corner which crashed in off the bar - the youngster continuing his rich vein of goalscoring form.

After the break - and the substitution of the ineffectual Han-Noah Massengo for Matty James - City continued to dominate and yet on 55 minutes Blackpool again broke down the right and crossed for Jordan Thornley to force a corner from which Yates bundled in a second.

This was now verging on the ridiculous that City could be down a second time in a match they had controlled in front of a noisy and expectant away following, but as with their cup tie at Wycombe, the introduction of fit again Antoine Semenyo was the cheat code they required.

The explosive forward netted within a minute of arriving, Conway striding forward through the middle and feeding Semenyo who showed close control to wriggle away from his marker and slot a low shot into the far bottom corner before celebrating in front of the away supporters.

Inside 70 minutes and it was three as Semenyo won a free kick on the left flank and just as he did last week Kal Naismith swung a devilish cross into the middle and Wells connected only to divert onto the crossbar but from the rebound Marvin Ekpiteta could only deflect the ball in.

3-2 up and City’s large following roared their approval, a boisterous end to a game they expected to win. In the final exchanges Callum Connolly fired wide given too much time, whilst a well worked move down the right saw Conway drop a shoulder and curl just past the top corner.

There was still time for City’s infamous ability to throw away points from winning positions as into injury time looking comfortable, cute passing triangles saw substitute King dawdle, and Naismith stupidly square across his own box to Zak Vyner who was robbed by Theo Corbeanu to score.

A ridiculous end to a match that City looked in control of and, even when behind, always looked likely winners of. The positive is their ability to fashion chances and the enterprise of Conway and Semenyo. The negative is a midfield that was easily bypassed with Scott and Massengo miscuing.

 

Bentley 6

Vyner 6

Naismith 6

Atkinson 6

Scott 5

Dasilva 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

Weimann 6

Conway 7

Wells 6

 

James 6

Semenyo 8

King 5

They threw away 2 points actually.

[Magicseason]

11 hours ago, mozo said:

I think Scott played better than Weimann and Wells. Most of our attacks came down his side and he notched an assist too. I'd have him in the 6-7 range. 

Weimann was like the old Weimann before he got his super powers. He was less involved than usual and when he got the ball in dangerous areas his final ball was wayward. 

Wells played some nice stuff and some bad stuff all summed up in one move when he brilliantly brought the ball out of the air only to then miscontrol it out of play.

Williams didn't do much wrong and I'd give him a 7 and Conway an 8 for me.

It felt like it would be a goalfest right from the start. Very open.

Blackpool struggled with our neat build up play. We struggled with their more  agricultural 'direct' play.

In the end it was a really entertaining match, and whilst we're gutted to lose 2 points in injury time (PTSD triggered again), City played some lovely stuff, passing the ball nicely (actually enjoying possession!), and had some big positives to celebrate, namely the continuation of Tommy Conway's revelatory breakthrough and another lethal cameo from Antoine Semenyo.

If we can beat Huddersfield on Tuesday it'll be a good 4 points from 2 games. 

 

We didn't throw away all three points. That happens when you lose

[Garland-sweden]

That pass from Naismith was more then bad.

[mozo]

11 hours ago, Magicseason said:

We didn't throw away all three points. That happens when you lose

Which is why I wrote "we're gutted to lose 2 points in injury time"

 

??

[Mr Popodopolous]

Point gained when you claw back from behind twice is another way of looking at it.

[mozo]

1 hour ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Point gained when you claw back from behind twice is another way of looking at it.

So if we gained a point twice, but then lost 2 points do we end up with 0...?