Bristol City battled their way to an impressive 2-1 win against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. That win ensured them a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-off zone. On Saturday, Bristol City netted a pair of tallies in the opening frame. That emphatic opening made for a very difficult afternoon for West Brom.
Anis Mehmeti got Bristol City on their way with the opening goal very early on in just the fourth minute to hand them a vital advantage. Even Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber called that one “really clean.” This goal opened a notable first half. West Brom had a hard time settling in through the first few minutes. Mikey Johnston’s shot that took a deflection went only scuffed the side-netting.
Key Moments in the Match
Bristol City picked up right where they left off as Ross McCrorie doubled the away side’s advantage in the 22nd minute. McCrorie’s fierce, rising angled drive sailed past West Brom’s goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith, further complicating matters for the home side. The one chance that West Brom had to equalize, Isaac Price sent over the bar mere minutes after Mehmeti’s opener. He squandered the opportunity as early as the 11th minute.
After an initial half where Forest were clearly the better side, West Brom tried to get back in the game. However, Bristol City’s goalkeeper Max O’Leary was instrumental in maintaining the lead, making key saves against Karlan Grant and Ousmane Diakite. But try as they might, a goal proved elusive for West Brom before the break.
“We’ve lost too many games and with that comes frustration. I have played for one of the biggest teams in Europe in Tottenham and the only way to turn it around is to win games.” – Ryan Mason
Second Half Developments
The second period was West Brom mostly throwing the kitchen sink at trying to find an equalizer. Their nearest of misses came shortly afterwards, when Ousmane Diakite found himself with the goal at his mercy but failed to hit the target in the 68th minute. As the clock ran down, West Brom made a move. Then in the 85th minute, Diakite tapped in from close range to send hope coursing through the team’s veins.
Even with the late West Brom push, Bristol City stood strong to return home with all three points. While Struber was happy with his side’s performance, he had harsh words for the match’s officiating.
“I have not seen a clip, but if it is offside, then I feel sorry. But a video assistant would help.” – Gerhard Struber
Managerial Reactions
Ryan Mason, West Brom’s new manager, will be under pressure after this showing from his side. In truth, Wildsmith has come under fire from supporters and critics alike for failing to save the first goal. They too comment on his generally poor temperament through the match. Mason understood the frustrations of his players and fans alike, but maintained that changing the course is done one way – by winning basketball games.
“I am not going to sit here and ask for patience. It’s normal. That’s football. I understand the emotion and the passion.” – Ryan Mason
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