Nigel Pearson believes Bristol City could do with a player of Phil Jagielka’s ilk after the Stoke City centre-back contributed to the Potters shutting the Robins down, at the age of 40.
Jagielka, now into his 23rd season as a professional, delivered an impressive performance at the heart of Stoke’s back three as they recovered from 1-0 down to beat City 2-1 amid growing frustration in the stands at Ashton Gate.
In a slight parallel to Stoke’s approach, Pearson fielded Andy King as his central centre-back for a third straight game, with Timm Klose and Rob Atkinson left out of the matchday 18. Granted, King is 34 and a midfielder by trade but the manager’s decision seems motivated by similar rationale to what Jagielka brings to the Stoke side in terms of game management and doing the basics right.
