Match Report: City demolish Blackburn for signature Pearson win

[Olé]

In my life I've seen Smith, Osman, Jordan, Ward, Lennartson, Johnson (G), Millen, Coppell, Millen (again), McInnes, O'Driscoll, Cotterill, Johnson (L), and Holden teams all play in the second tier and Nigel Pearson's side eclipsed all of them today for quality of football and dominance at this level. The side he has fashioned is gelling brilliantly.

Under Johnson (L) City enjoyed many fine away days - arguably the highlights of his tenure - but never as slick and convincing as the way Pearson's in form side destroyed early pacesetters Blackburn from the off in a one sided assault at Ewood Park - Scott, Weimann and Wells unplayable despite the scoreline eventually having a balanced look.

Two stunning counter attacking goals either side of half time initiated by teenager Alex Scott and created by bursting runs by Andi Weimann were finished clinically by Tommy Conway and Nahki Wells - among the many chances City created before Tyrhys Dolan and Wells exchanged goals and Brereton Diaz added a flattering late consolation.  

After Bradley Dack had drawn a first minute save from Daniel Bentley it was all City and on 7 a series of right wing corners saw Rob Atkinson stretching to loop a header wide of far post from a Kal Naismith flag kick. On 17 City's break saw Naismith release Atkinson to overlap on the left but his ball across the box missed everyone and Weimann raced in far post to finish - only to volley well over.

City were growing in confidence and on 26 Wells headed wide from a Naismith corner on the right after endless pressure from the away side via probing threaded passes into the box from Weimann amongst others. A minute later a Matty James corner from the other wing saw Naismith flash a header just past the post as Blackburn clung on grimly.

On 29 City again broke and put Weimann in down the right to get to the byline to square for Conway who as at Blackpool closed in near post to head home, his effort blocked for a corner. Within seconds Jay DaSilva's deep cross in from the left - recycling an attack after James was caught in possession - was headed goalwards by Zak Vyner, but held. 

Hosts Blackburn were second best all over the pitch and saw through balls easily tidied up, but Atkinson gave it away in his own half on 36 and quick fire exchanges from Rovers got them into the box to threaten, Naismith typical of City's commanding defence and among several players that flew in quickly with blocks to stop even a shot on target. 

Minutes later and another wide open break by Pearson's men, Conway playing in Mark Sykes on the right of the area, and his cross missing everyone - only for Scott to recover and execute a brilliant slide rule pass which put DaSilva clear to the byline inside the box to square for Wells who looked destined to score, only to fire straight at Rovers' keeper. 

Into the last 5 minutes and yet another fast release sent Conway away, who fed Wells in the box but his effort was beaten away. But an incredible counter next saw Scott collect outside his area and feed Weimann to spin away from multiple midfielders, race away down the right with space and time to lift to the far post where Conway buried a header.

City were deservedly in front at the break - and worth two or three more - though after the restart Blackburn won a succession of corners that the visitors dealt with easily. On 51 a misclearance fell straight to Wells who stung the keepers hand with a first time low shot that was parried and back to DaSilva, who crossed for Wells to steer a header wide.

On 54 James threaded DaSilva in on goal, who slipped a challenge to go clean through into the box, only to loop a rising cross over everyone and beyond the far post to where Sykes could not hook the ball in. This was a one sided spectacle and inside the hour and ironically from the opponents best chance - as on Wednesday - City roared two in front. 

Out of this world football as Bentley saved point blank from Dolan and from a scramble in the box Scott put his life on the line with a diving header in a crowded area to clear his lines, then found Weimann on the right who cut infield and saw an inch perfect diagonal put Wells clean through, the striker gave the keeper the eyes before drilling low to his left.

Pandemonium in front of the away stand as they deservedly roared into a two goal lead. The game settled as City dug in - although midway through the second half Weimann picked a path past defenders, only to lose his footing in the six yard box - and when his follow up was blocked from Scott's recycle, Brereton Diaz went clear only to blaze wide.

It was a rare warning that City didn't heed and when on 71 substitute Antoine Semenyo was bundled crudely off the ball on the right touchline, Blackburn had numbers forward to overload the City box, a quick exchange from Tayo Edun allowed Dolan to swivel and fire past Bentley at close range. The home fans rose having found an unlikely lifeline.

But in two minutes Scott drew a foul on the right and from his own set piece into the box Naismith steered a header onto the far post and in the chaotic scramble at close range, Wells was adjudged to have turned home - although Naismith had also followed up to slam into the top corner before the referee indicated the ball already crossed the line.

3-1 and this broke the spirit of the battered home side who miscued wildly in attempts to play upfield as City controlled the game wherever it mattered. And then on 84 it may have been 4 as Wells slipped away from the left back out wide and made for goal before lifting a ball inside to Weimann who saw his glanced header across goal clawed away. 

Before injury time a rare Blackburn effort saw John Buckley's low shot from the edge of the box tipped wide, but into time added on yet another chance for City to extend the lead as late sub Joe Williams strode forward from midfield and with the latest of a string of visitors threaded passes put Weimann in the clear, to laser just past the top corner. 

Deep in injury time Blackburn carved a way through the City backline with inside passes and finally found Brereton Diaz in the box to apply the finish, for a flattering second. This set up an unnecessarily nervous last couple of minutes, giving the scoreline a misleading look for a one sided battering that City had handed their Championship rivals at home.   

Pearson's men had been fitter, stronger, and faster throughout - and absolutely ruthless on the break, creating chance after chance. Recent form - and results - have been more and more encouraging but this was another level for this blossoming side. Traveling to a proven second tier rival, with only two days rest, and produce a footballing masterclass.   

 

Bentley 7

Vyner 7

Naismith 8

Atkinson 8

Sykes 7

DaSilva 8

James 8

Scott 10

Weimann 9

Wells 9

Conway 8

 

Semenyo 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

Edited September 3, 2022 by Olé

[Rossi the Robin]

Thought Vyner was at least an 8 today but I did watch a stream and wasn’t there 

[BTRFTG]

Absolutely no way to underestimate Conway's threat upfront opening up opportunities for others, notably Wells. Conway has effectively given us a new signing, for as brilliant as Wells has been these past games he was dreadful under the previous regimes. Dropping Weimann deeper allows us to hold the ball, provide a threat to the opposition and give mids and defence a chance. For the first time in years, certainly pre Johnson, you can see defenders concerned that they're going to have a battle on their hands. Conway changed it, others are stepping up to the mark. Brilliant.

 

[Rudolf Hucker]

21 minutes ago, Olé said:

In my life I've seen Smith, Osman, Jordan, Ward, Lennartson, Johnson (G), Millen, Coppell, Millen (again), McInnes, O'Driscoll, Cotterill, Johnson (L), and Holden teams all play in the second tier and Nigel Pearson's side eclipsed all of them today for quality of football and dominance at this level. The side he has fashioned is gelling brilliantly.

Under Johnson (L) City enjoyed many fine away days - arguably the highlights of his tenure - but never as slick and convincing as the way Pearson's in form side destroyed early pacesetters Blackburn from the off in a one sided assault at Ewood Park - Scott, Weimann and Wells unplayable despite the scoreline eventually having a balanced look.

Two stunning counter attacking goals either side of half time initiated by teenager Alex Scott and created by bursting runs by Andi Weimann were finished clinically by Tommy Conway and Nahki Wells - among the many chances City created before Tyrhys Dolan and Wells exchanged goals and Brereton Diaz added a flattering late consolation.  

After Bradley Dack had drawn a first minute save from Daniel Bentley it was all City and on 7 a series of right wing corners saw Rob Atkinson stretching to loop a header wide of far post from a Kal Naismith flag kick. On 17 City's break saw Naismith release Atkinson to overlap on the left but his ball across the box missed everyone and Weimann raced in far post to finish - only to volley well over.

City were growing in confidence and on 26 Wells headed wide from a Naismith corner on the right after endless pressure from the away side via probing threaded passes into the box from Weimann amongst others. A minute later a Matty James corner from the other wing saw Naismith flash a header just past the post as Blackburn clung on grimly.

On 29 City again broke and put Weimann in down the right to get to the byline to square for Conway who as at Blackpool closed in near post to head home, his effort blocked for a corner. Within seconds Jay DaSilva's deep cross in from the left - recycling an attack after James was caught in possession - was headed goalwards by Zak Vyner, but held. 

Hosts Blackburn were second best all over the pitch and saw through balls easily tidied up, but Atkinson gave it away in his own half on 36 and quick fire exchanges from Rovers got them into the box to threaten, Naismith typical of City's commanding defence and among several players that flew in quickly with blocks to stop even a shot on target. 

Minutes later and another wide open break by Pearson's men, Conway playing in Mark Sykes on the right of the area, and his cross missing everyone - only for Scott to recover and execute a brilliant slide rule pass which put DaSilva clear to the byline inside the box to square for Wells who looked destined to score, only to fire straight at Rovers' keeper. 

Into the last 5 minutes and yet another fast release sent Conway away, who fed Wells in the box but his effort was beaten away. But an incredible counter next saw Scott collect outside his area and feed Weimann to spin away from multiple midfielders, race away down the right with space and time to lift to the far post where Conway buried a header.

City were deservedly in front at the break - and worth two or three more - though after the restart Blackburn won a succession of corners that the visitors dealt with easily. On 51 a misclearance fell straight to Wells who stung the keepers hand with a first time low shot that was parried and back to DaSilva, who crossed for Wells to steer a header wide.

On 54 James threaded DaSilva in on goal, who slipped a challenge to go clean through into the box, only to loop a rising cross over everyone and beyond the far post to where Sykes could not hook the ball in. This was a one sided spectacle and inside the hour and ironically from the opponents best chance - as on Wednesday - City roared two in front. 

Out of this world football as Bentley saved point blank from Dolan and from a scramble in the box Scott put his life on the line with a diving header in a crowded area to clear his lines, then found Weimann on the right who cut infield and saw an inch perfect diagonal put Wells clean through, the striker gave the keeper the eyes before drilling low to his left.

Pandemonium in front of the away stand as they deservedly roared into a two goal lead. The game settled as City dug in - although midway through the second half Weimann picked a path past defenders, only to lose his footing in the six yard box - and when his follow up was blocked from Scott's recycle, Brereton Diaz went clear only to blaze wide.

It was a rare warning that City didn't heed and when on 71 substitute Antoine Semenyo was bundled crudely off the ball on the right touchline, Blackburn had numbers forward to overload the City box, a quick exchange from Tayo Edun allowed Dolan to swivel and fire past Bentley at close range. The home fans rose having found an unlikely lifeline.

But in two minutes Scott drew a foul on the right and from his own set piece into the box Naismith steered a header onto the far post and in the chaotic scramble at close range, Wells was adjudged to have turned home - although Naismith had also followed up to slam into the top corner before the referee indicated the ball already crossed the line.

3-1 and this broke the spirit of the battered home side who miscued wildly in attempts to play upfield as City controlled the game wherever it mattered. And then on 84 it may have been 4 as Wells slipped away from the left back out wide and made for goal before lifting a ball inside to Weimann who saw his glanced header across goal clawed away. 

Before injury time a rare Blackburn effort saw John Buckley's low shot from the edge of the box tipped wide, but into time added on yet another chance for City to extend the lead as late sub Joe Williams strode forward from midfield and with the latest of a string of visitors threaded passes put Weimann in the clear, to laser just past the top corner. 

Deep in injury time Blackburn carved a way through the City backline with inside passes and finally found Brereton Diaz in the box to apply the finish, for a flattering second. This set up an unnecessarily nervous last couple of minutes, giving the scoreline a misleading look for a one sided battering that City had handed their Championship rivals at home.   

Pearson's men had been fitter, stronger, and faster throughout - and absolutely ruthless on the break, creating chance after chance. Recent form - and results - have been more and more encouraging but this was another level for this blossoming side. Traveling to a proven second tier rival, with only two days rest, and produce a footballing masterclass.   

 

Bentley 7

Vyner 7

Naismith 8

Atkinson 8

Sykes 7

DaSilva 8

James 8

Scott 10

Weimann 9

Wells 9

Conway 8

 

Semenyo 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

Did you miss the Tinnion Tenure, Rob? (I completely missed the Coppell era because I went on holiday for a fortnight!)

[TV Tom]

Scott’s best game for us, almost unplayable, Wells also very good, “Slick City” will be the predictable headlines in the papers tomorrow, best away performance since the 4-0 at Fulham 

[bcfcredandwhite]

Great win and we’ll done to Nige and the lads

Worrying to concede yet another late goal again though - I needed my adult pampers for the last 15 minutes and I’m pissed off with needing them in every game - they are expensive!!!

[O'Garlandinho]

17 minutes ago, Rudolf Hucker said:

Did you miss the Tinnion Tenure, Rob? (I completely missed the Coppell era because I went on holiday for a fortnight!)

We were in the third tier under Tinnion.

[steviestevieneville]

41 minutes ago, Olé said:

In my life I've seen Smith, Osman, Jordan, Ward, Lennartson, Johnson (G), Millen, Coppell, Millen (again), McInnes, O'Driscoll, Cotterill, Johnson (L), and Holden teams all play in the second tier and Nigel Pearson's side eclipsed all of them today for quality of football and dominance at this level. The side he has fashioned is gelling brilliantly.

Under Johnson (L) City enjoyed many fine away days - arguably the highlights of his tenure - but never as slick and convincing as the way Pearson's in form side destroyed early pacesetters Blackburn from the off in a one sided assault at Ewood Park - Scott, Weimann and Wells unplayable despite the scoreline eventually having a balanced look.

Two stunning counter attacking goals either side of half time initiated by teenager Alex Scott and created by bursting runs by Andi Weimann were finished clinically by Tommy Conway and Nahki Wells - among the many chances City created before Tyrhys Dolan and Wells exchanged goals and Brereton Diaz added a flattering late consolation.  

After Bradley Dack had drawn a first minute save from Daniel Bentley it was all City and on 7 a series of right wing corners saw Rob Atkinson stretching to loop a header wide of far post from a Kal Naismith flag kick. On 17 City's break saw Naismith release Atkinson to overlap on the left but his ball across the box missed everyone and Weimann raced in far post to finish - only to volley well over.

City were growing in confidence and on 26 Wells headed wide from a Naismith corner on the right after endless pressure from the away side via probing threaded passes into the box from Weimann amongst others. A minute later a Matty James corner from the other wing saw Naismith flash a header just past the post as Blackburn clung on grimly.

On 29 City again broke and put Weimann in down the right to get to the byline to square for Conway who as at Blackpool closed in near post to head home, his effort blocked for a corner. Within seconds Jay DaSilva's deep cross in from the left - recycling an attack after James was caught in possession - was headed goalwards by Zak Vyner, but held. 

Hosts Blackburn were second best all over the pitch and saw through balls easily tidied up, but Atkinson gave it away in his own half on 36 and quick fire exchanges from Rovers got them into the box to threaten, Naismith typical of City's commanding defence and among several players that flew in quickly with blocks to stop even a shot on target. 

Minutes later and another wide open break by Pearson's men, Conway playing in Mark Sykes on the right of the area, and his cross missing everyone - only for Scott to recover and execute a brilliant slide rule pass which put DaSilva clear to the byline inside the box to square for Wells who looked destined to score, only to fire straight at Rovers' keeper. 

Into the last 5 minutes and yet another fast release sent Conway away, who fed Wells in the box but his effort was beaten away. But an incredible counter next saw Scott collect outside his area and feed Weimann to spin away from multiple midfielders, race away down the right with space and time to lift to the far post where Conway buried a header.

City were deservedly in front at the break - and worth two or three more - though after the restart Blackburn won a succession of corners that the visitors dealt with easily. On 51 a misclearance fell straight to Wells who stung the keepers hand with a first time low shot that was parried and back to DaSilva, who crossed for Wells to steer a header wide.

On 54 James threaded DaSilva in on goal, who slipped a challenge to go clean through into the box, only to loop a rising cross over everyone and beyond the far post to where Sykes could not hook the ball in. This was a one sided spectacle and inside the hour and ironically from the opponents best chance - as on Wednesday - City roared two in front. 

Out of this world football as Bentley saved point blank from Dolan and from a scramble in the box Scott put his life on the line with a diving header in a crowded area to clear his lines, then found Weimann on the right who cut infield and saw an inch perfect diagonal put Wells clean through, the striker gave the keeper the eyes before drilling low to his left.

Pandemonium in front of the away stand as they deservedly roared into a two goal lead. The game settled as City dug in - although midway through the second half Weimann picked a path past defenders, only to lose his footing in the six yard box - and when his follow up was blocked from Scott's recycle, Brereton Diaz went clear only to blaze wide.

It was a rare warning that City didn't heed and when on 71 substitute Antoine Semenyo was bundled crudely off the ball on the right touchline, Blackburn had numbers forward to overload the City box, a quick exchange from Tayo Edun allowed Dolan to swivel and fire past Bentley at close range. The home fans rose having found an unlikely lifeline.

But in two minutes Scott drew a foul on the right and from his own set piece into the box Naismith steered a header onto the far post and in the chaotic scramble at close range, Wells was adjudged to have turned home - although Naismith had also followed up to slam into the top corner before the referee indicated the ball already crossed the line.

3-1 and this broke the spirit of the battered home side who miscued wildly in attempts to play upfield as City controlled the game wherever it mattered. And then on 84 it may have been 4 as Wells slipped away from the left back out wide and made for goal before lifting a ball inside to Weimann who saw his glanced header across goal clawed away. 

Before injury time a rare Blackburn effort saw John Buckley's low shot from the edge of the box tipped wide, but into time added on yet another chance for City to extend the lead as late sub Joe Williams strode forward from midfield and with the latest of a string of visitors threaded passes put Weimann in the clear, to laser just past the top corner. 

Deep in injury time Blackburn carved a way through the City backline with inside passes and finally found Brereton Diaz in the box to apply the finish, for a flattering second. This set up an unnecessarily nervous last couple of minutes, giving the scoreline a misleading look for a one sided battering that City had handed their Championship rivals at home.   

Pearson's men had been fitter, stronger, and faster throughout - and absolutely ruthless on the break, creating chance after chance. Recent form - and results - have been more and more encouraging but this was another level for this blossoming side. Traveling to a proven second tier rival, with only two days rest, and produce a footballing masterclass.   

 

Bentley 7

Vyner 7

Naismith 8

Atkinson 8

Sykes 7

DaSilva 8

James 8

Scott 10

Weimann 9

Wells 9

Conway 8

 

Semenyo 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

8 for Zak 

[Olé]

34 minutes ago, Rudolf Hucker said:

Did you miss the Tinnion Tenure, Rob? (I completely missed the Coppell era because I went on holiday for a fortnight!)

Tinman never managed in the Championship or equivalent Rudolph.

[Rudolf Hucker]

16 minutes ago, O'Garlandinho said:

We were in the third tier under Tinnion.

Bugger. My mistake! As you were.

[Sheltons Army]

 

[mozo]

Interesting comparison with LJ's road warriors. I remember that being all about soaking up pressure, die hard defending and hitting teams on the break.

But this season we seem perfectly comfortable just taking control of matches, dominating for long periods away from home and just generally looking technically superior.

That's not to say we're obliterating opponents, and obviously we're not defensively solid enough to do that, but at this level, with this youthful squad,  it's remarkable. 

Different players are stepping up. Semenyo didn't get in a rhythm when he came on and definitely at fault for the first goal conceded. He tried to do too much when he was surrounded.

But his superhero attack play wasn't needed because Conway, Scott, Wells and others were already sizzling.

What a treat

[Fuber]

7 minutes ago, mozo said:

Interesting comparison with LJ's road warriors. I remember that being all about soaking up pressure, die hard defending and hitting teams on the break.

But this season we seem perfectly comfortable just taking control of matches, dominating for long periods away from home and just generally looking technically superior.

That's not to say we're obliterating opponents, and obviously we're not defensively solid enough to do that, but at this level, with this youthful squad,  it's remarkable. 

Different players are stepping up. Semenyo didn't get in a rhythm when he came on and definitely at fault for the first goal conceded. He tried to do too much when he was surrounded.

But his superhero attack play wasn't needed because Conway, Scott, Wells and others were already sizzling.

What a treat

Just to point out, Blackburn had a team that was on average over 2 years younger across the pitch than us tonight. Just an oberservation.

Cracking game, result and performance and I pray for many more like it.

[Garland-sweden]

Very good performance by City. The confidence is there and the team is creative. We have a structure and it was a joy to watch the game.

[Bristol Rob]

Can't remember the last time a match report had a positive pandemonium comment.

[City oz]

8 hours ago, Olé said:

In my life I've seen Smith, Osman, Jordan, Ward, Lennartson, Johnson (G), Millen, Coppell, Millen (again), McInnes, O'Driscoll, Cotterill, Johnson (L), and Holden teams all play in the second tier and Nigel Pearson's side eclipsed all of them today for quality of football and dominance at this level. The side he has fashioned is gelling brilliantly.

Under Johnson (L) City enjoyed many fine away days - arguably the highlights of his tenure - but never as slick and convincing as the way Pearson's in form side destroyed early pacesetters Blackburn from the off in a one sided assault at Ewood Park - Scott, Weimann and Wells unplayable despite the scoreline eventually having a balanced look.

Two stunning counter attacking goals either side of half time initiated by teenager Alex Scott and created by bursting runs by Andi Weimann were finished clinically by Tommy Conway and Nahki Wells - among the many chances City created before Tyrhys Dolan and Wells exchanged goals and Brereton Diaz added a flattering late consolation.  

After Bradley Dack had drawn a first minute save from Daniel Bentley it was all City and on 7 a series of right wing corners saw Rob Atkinson stretching to loop a header wide of far post from a Kal Naismith flag kick. On 17 City's break saw Naismith release Atkinson to overlap on the left but his ball across the box missed everyone and Weimann raced in far post to finish - only to volley well over.

City were growing in confidence and on 26 Wells headed wide from a Naismith corner on the right after endless pressure from the away side via probing threaded passes into the box from Weimann amongst others. A minute later a Matty James corner from the other wing saw Naismith flash a header just past the post as Blackburn clung on grimly.

On 29 City again broke and put Weimann in down the right to get to the byline to square for Conway who as at Blackpool closed in near post to head home, his effort blocked for a corner. Within seconds Jay DaSilva's deep cross in from the left - recycling an attack after James was caught in possession - was headed goalwards by Zak Vyner, but held. 

Hosts Blackburn were second best all over the pitch and saw through balls easily tidied up, but Atkinson gave it away in his own half on 36 and quick fire exchanges from Rovers got them into the box to threaten, Naismith typical of City's commanding defence and among several players that flew in quickly with blocks to stop even a shot on target. 

Minutes later and another wide open break by Pearson's men, Conway playing in Mark Sykes on the right of the area, and his cross missing everyone - only for Scott to recover and execute a brilliant slide rule pass which put DaSilva clear to the byline inside the box to square for Wells who looked destined to score, only to fire straight at Rovers' keeper. 

Into the last 5 minutes and yet another fast release sent Conway away, who fed Wells in the box but his effort was beaten away. But an incredible counter next saw Scott collect outside his area and feed Weimann to spin away from multiple midfielders, race away down the right with space and time to lift to the far post where Conway buried a header.

City were deservedly in front at the break - and worth two or three more - though after the restart Blackburn won a succession of corners that the visitors dealt with easily. On 51 a misclearance fell straight to Wells who stung the keepers hand with a first time low shot that was parried and back to DaSilva, who crossed for Wells to steer a header wide.

On 54 James threaded DaSilva in on goal, who slipped a challenge to go clean through into the box, only to loop a rising cross over everyone and beyond the far post to where Sykes could not hook the ball in. This was a one sided spectacle and inside the hour and ironically from the opponents best chance - as on Wednesday - City roared two in front. 

Out of this world football as Bentley saved point blank from Dolan and from a scramble in the box Scott put his life on the line with a diving header in a crowded area to clear his lines, then found Weimann on the right who cut infield and saw an inch perfect diagonal put Wells clean through, the striker gave the keeper the eyes before drilling low to his left.

Pandemonium in front of the away stand as they deservedly roared into a two goal lead. The game settled as City dug in - although midway through the second half Weimann picked a path past defenders, only to lose his footing in the six yard box - and when his follow up was blocked from Scott's recycle, Brereton Diaz went clear only to blaze wide.

It was a rare warning that City didn't heed and when on 71 substitute Antoine Semenyo was bundled crudely off the ball on the right touchline, Blackburn had numbers forward to overload the City box, a quick exchange from Tayo Edun allowed Dolan to swivel and fire past Bentley at close range. The home fans rose having found an unlikely lifeline.

But in two minutes Scott drew a foul on the right and from his own set piece into the box Naismith steered a header onto the far post and in the chaotic scramble at close range, Wells was adjudged to have turned home - although Naismith had also followed up to slam into the top corner before the referee indicated the ball already crossed the line.

3-1 and this broke the spirit of the battered home side who miscued wildly in attempts to play upfield as City controlled the game wherever it mattered. And then on 84 it may have been 4 as Wells slipped away from the left back out wide and made for goal before lifting a ball inside to Weimann who saw his glanced header across goal clawed away. 

Before injury time a rare Blackburn effort saw John Buckley's low shot from the edge of the box tipped wide, but into time added on yet another chance for City to extend the lead as late sub Joe Williams strode forward from midfield and with the latest of a string of visitors threaded passes put Weimann in the clear, to laser just past the top corner. 

Deep in injury time Blackburn carved a way through the City backline with inside passes and finally found Brereton Diaz in the box to apply the finish, for a flattering second. This set up an unnecessarily nervous last couple of minutes, giving the scoreline a misleading look for a one sided battering that City had handed their Championship rivals at home.   

Pearson's men had been fitter, stronger, and faster throughout - and absolutely ruthless on the break, creating chance after chance. Recent form - and results - have been more and more encouraging but this was another level for this blossoming side. Traveling to a proven second tier rival, with only two days rest, and produce a footballing masterclass.   

 

Bentley 7

Vyner 7

Naismith 8

Atkinson 8

Sykes 7

DaSilva 8

James 8

Scott 10

Weimann 9

Wells 9

Conway 8

 

Semenyo 6

Williams 6

Massengo 5

Watched live on Be In Sports in OZ. I think Weimann was probably a 8 as he missed a goal in the second half and in normal circumstances would of put it away. All be it a great positive display and team commitment. 

[Olé]

12 hours ago, mozo said:

Interesting comparison with LJ's road warriors. I remember that being all about soaking up pressure, die hard defending and hitting teams on the break.

But this season we seem perfectly comfortable just taking control of matches, dominating for long periods away from home and just generally looking technically superior.

Exactly that - I have many great memories of winning away under LJ (far more so than with him at Ashton Gate) but often the outcome was far greater than the performance itself and whilst the celebrations were entertaining, I can't say I always knew what we were trying to do besides play percentages, nor can I say I enjoyed the football itself as much - which was watched in hope more than expectation.

That's light years from where we are now, taking games to opponents on the road, creating by far the more chances, and with a swagger that we've not had at this level and is more reminiscent of when we were overmatched in L1. The closest under LJ was Bobby Reid for half a season - but now we have 4 forwards and a midfielder who I'd put in the same bracket for being as good as anyone in the division.

[Mr Popodopolous]

On 04/09/2022 at 00:51, mozo said:

Different players are stepping up. Semenyo didn't get in a rhythm when he came on and definitely at fault for the first goal conceded. He tried to do too much when he was surrounded.

Thought there was a valid call for a foul, maybe even there were 2 in the build up to that goal.

Edited September 5, 2022 by Mr Popodopolous