Nigel Pearson admits his side proved they are more than capable of defending set-plays after his side kept their first away clean sheet of the season.
Bristol City headed into the game on the back of criticism to defend crosses following the drubbing at Birmingham and the disappointing defeat at home to Millwall in the week. West Brom certainly looked to exploit that fragility but City's defenders rose up to the challenge by being resolute, committed and organised.
They rode their luck at times with the hosts hitting the woodwork on two occasions but City were more than deserving of their victory thanks to a first City goal for Joe Williams and Nahki Wells before the half-time whistle.
Pearson acknowledged he couldn't argue with some of the critics following a previous run of form that included one win in seven but highlighted the collective discipline that helped secure three vital points. It was a result that leaves City three points off the play-offs emphasising the crazy nature of the Championship.
He said: "It was the performance we were looking for whether it’s a reaction or not. It’s what we needed to get three points. We’ve come in for a bit of criticism and I can’t disagree with some of it but that showed tonight that we can defend set plays.
"I thought Max (O'Leary) was really positive, he made some really positive decisions. I think the defenders and everybody else when we’re defending set plays were very resilient, we got some great blocks in.
"Some good individual bits of defending but I think the most important thing was the collective discipline was very much there and we’re always dangerous because of the players we’ve got. A good result and we needed it tonight.
"(We were) organised too and also calm, I think that shone through as well. There was not just a determination and ability to deal with the pressure, so we need that more often of course."
Pearson had been calling for his midfielders to start getting themselves on the scoresheet and share the burden in attack. Williams answered those calls by grabbing his first goal for City since his move from Wigan over two years ago.
"Well, that’s one, in how many games I don’t know," he joked. "It doesn’t matter but yes, we do need to spread them around of course and I think that’s his first goal for us.
"You know he’s had a frustrating time so for him to play three games on the spin, score his first goal, that's good for him. I thought we showed a lot of discipline out there tonight.
"We decided to go with a flat three in midfield just to try give us a bit more control in possession but also to have that extra insurance in front of defence and we did it pretty well.”
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