Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom declared his side’s win at Ashton Gate as the worst of his time at the Blades and that Bristol City were, “better in loads of departments” as Nigel Pearson reflected on a familiar story for the Robins.
City struck the crossbar and the post and had 16 shots at the visitors’ goal, and just four in response, with the expected goals 1.64 to 0.82 in their favour, but were made to pay a momentary lapse at the back as George Tanner and Zak Vyner were drawn to the same cross, allowing Iliman Ndiaye a free header from close range.
Heckingbottom had to change his shape after just 34 minutes, sacrificing Reda Khadra, accepting that City, and in particular Alex Scott, were running the midfield while he then needed to lean on the considerable experience throughout his squad to secure the three points as seasoned campaigners Enda Stevens, Ciaran Clark and Oli McBurnie all emerged off the bench in the second half.
