Nigel Pearson was in no mood to blame fatigue, whether it be mental or physical, on Bristol City’s performance at Cardiff City as they were beaten 2-0 in their first league defeat since Boxing Day.
City made the trip along the M4 at the end of an eight-day period in which they had beaten Hull City at home in the Championship and then lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup; of the starting XI that took to the field against the Bluebirds, 10 had started both previous fixtures.
A Sory Kaba header and Jaden Philogene’s strike from outside the box decided the contest as the Robins lacked their usual zip and pace in transition, which have been hallmarks of their previous 12-match unbeaten run after Christmas.
