Well, Bristol City would have loved to be heading into the World Cup break with three points under their belt, but at least their 0-0 draw with Watford saw a performance to satisfy Robins fans in a way that couldn’t have felt further away on Tuesday night.
Nigel Pearson’s side would have been value for the win on an afternoon where they prevented the Hornets from even having a shot, while on another day Tommy Conway could’ve had two.
The wait for a penalty will be extended for another month at least, Nahki Wells twice appeared to be fouled inside the penalty area to leave those inside Ashton Gate questioning what they’ve done to deserve this rotten luck.
But a first home clean sheet in BS3 since the start of October against Coventry City is yet another sign of the progress made by Pearson’s side. Especially when you consider the only natural centre-back in Saturday’s back three was Zak Vyner, who looked destined to depart in the summer.
Everything is far from rosy; however, City currently sit only one point above the drop zone and the upcoming break offers a welcome opportunity for Pearson to work with his side on the training ground as well as bring back the likes of Tomas Kalas and Kal Naismith.
Just before we turn our attentions to Qatar, here are the moments missed from Ashton Gate on Saturday.
Team huddle in the warm-up
The pre-match proceedings were slightly different at Ashton Gate on Saturday, with the impeccably observed rendition of The Last Post and reading of The Exhortation before kick-off leading to a slightly earlier end to the warm-up.
But midway through the usual pre-game session the entire playing squad and staff (bar Pearson who remained signing autographs and taking photos in the dugout) gathered on the field in a huddle.
With recent poor form in the lead up to what was the Robins’ last game prior to the World Cup break, it’s safe to assume that this was an extra rallying cry and a symbol of how united the entire football club is in turning around the fortunes.
That feeling was reciprocated by the fans, who at times on Tuesday night created an atmosphere that had the feeling of the end of the Pearson era, as they got behind the players from the first minute. The City fanbase, like any other, wanted effort and energy as a bare minimum and there’s no way that could be called into question against Watford.
Appreciation for Baker and Ward
It’s not often that someone who has managed Bristol Rovers is greeted with open arms to south Bristol, but it certainly helps your standing when you win promotion on the red side as demonstrated by John Ward.
The former City boss and members of his 1997/98 team were in attendance in the Bristol City former players’ bar and the likes of Tommy Doherty, Scott Murray and Shaun Goater received an ovation from those who remained in their seats at half-time.
That, however, was only the first of two incredibly moving scenes at half-time, with the other a moment of appreciation from not only the city fans, but players and staff for former defender Nathan Baker who retired earlier this year after multiple concussions.
Known for his tough tackling and robust defending, Baker last played last November against Sheffield United and was welcomed to the field alongside his wife and son with a guard of honour from his former teammates.
Pearson presented the former Aston Villa man with a framed City shirt and the pair exchanged a close exchange which appeared to bring a tear to Baker’s eye and was certainly emotional for all inside Ashton Gate.
Long after the final whistle, the 31-year-old left the ground and stopped for photos with fans who had waited for the other players, it’s safe to say if Baker didn’t know it before he’ll be feeling the love of the Robins.
Pressure? Nigel enjoys animated afternoon
As Slaven Bilic joked in the build-up to Saturday’s fixture, it feels as though most people in football have managed Watford at some point, but Pearson actually did manage the Hornets across the 2020/21 Covid-interrupted season.
The City boss experienced a wide range of emotions throughout the 90 minutes in what was one of his more animated displays in the Ashton Gate dugout.
When appeals for a penalty were waved away after Dan Gosling’s high boot on Wells, Pearson turned to the Lansdown Stand with his hands around the back of his head in a manner only comparable to that famous Neil Warnock photo.
Any energy and animation that was seen in the City dugout was reciprocated by Bilic and his coaching team. They were keen to head to the fourth officials whenever a foul was given to the home side, much to the amusement of Pearson who did little to hide his laughter when confronted by the Hornets’ coaching team.
If the City manager was feeling any pressure, he didn’t let it show (or maybe he did, depending on your viewpoint), and we’ve already touched on his personal moment with Nathan Baker, he also shook the hands and shared an embrace with not only the City players but plenty of the visitors who he used to manage.
Bilic a fan of Semenyo
We’re doubtful that many City fans will have come away from Ashton Gate with Antoine Semenyo being the player first on their mind as the best on the field, but Watford’s boss was certainly more than impressed by the World Cup-bound forward.
The forward was introduced after the hour mark and while he was unable to find himself particularly involved in the match; Bilic’s praise was based on Semenyo’s work off the ball.
“The number 11 who came on, in a couple of moves in the same action he pressed three or four of our players,” commented the former Croatia defender. “Left-back, centre-back, right centre-back. Bof, bof, bof, I almost clapped, I love it! I have to say!”
Many City fans will believe they haven’t seen the striker at his best, after a wasteful night in front of goal against Lincoln City on Tuesday, but his stock and reputation in the Championship is high and a good World Cup could see that reputation rise.
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