Report: Stoke City 0-2 Bristol City

It was encouraging at both ends as Nahki Wells and Andreas Weimann got their first goals of the 2020/21 campaign, while the defence earned their third clean sheet in all competitions.

Chris Martin, who scored in midweek, assisted the opener on the cusp of half-time, when he headed the ball across goal for his strike partner to pounce from close range.

It was deserved for the visitors, who had been on top in the opening half, and while action was limited after the break, City kept the Potters at arm’s length before substitute Antoine Semenyo rolled the ball into the path of Weimann to sweep home.

The 2-0 victory at the bet365 Stadium lifts City to second in the Championship table.

Seven changes were made for the trip to Staffordshire, with Alfie Mawson captaining the side in the absence of Tomas Kalas. There was also a first league start for Martin, while Semenyo and Kasey Palmer, who impressed on Wednesday night, were named on the bench.

On the front foot

City’s forward flair was certainly on show in the opening period. Only a week earlier, Jamie Paterson had raced the Robins into an early lead on the opening day against Exeter, and it was nearly similar with Wells capitalising on a defensive error just minutes into the game. A howler of a backpass from Stoke skipper Sam Clucas was intercepted by Wells but his shot was blocked by keeper Adam Davies, who would smother at the next attempt when Tommy Rowe tried to make the most of Wells’ pass back across the box.

It was a promising start but only better finishing was required as Weimann lashed an effort wide while off balance and Jack Hunt skewed a half-volley wide.

Martin almost grabbed a second goal in as many games when he spun away from Danny Batth but struck a low shot an inch wide of the near post, before the hosts managed to get some hold of the game in their own digs.

Jacob Brown, who scored their winning goal against Wolves in the Carabao Cup in midweek, was the first to see a shot on goal for the Potters but the ball sailed over causing no concerns for Dan Bentley, who later watched on as Mawson made a timely interception to block a dangerous Clucas cross, as Brown looked to tap home.

Stoke surrender

But City had so much of the ball (61%) with half-time approaching and it was a matter of time before they found the breakthrough.

And the opener came in stoppage time of the first-half, often said as one of the best times to score! Hunt’s cross towards the back post looked for Martin who was crowded by red and white striped shirts, but he managed to flick the ball back across the goalmouth for Wells, who lashed home on the brink of half-time.

It was certainly a cagier affair after the break, arguably the hosts were wary of falling further behind considering the attacking intent shown by the Robins thus far.

Brilliant at the back

But Holden’s side also had to show their resilient nature when the Potters did ultimately come forward, yet when Nick Powell and Clucas drove efforts on goal, Taylor Moore and Mawson were well positioned to throw their bodies on the line.

Martin and Jamie Paterson soon made way in a double change for City; Semenyo and Chris Brunt, making his first league appearance for the Robins, entered the field. Then, with ten minutes remaining, Wells earned his deserved break when he made way for Famara Diédhiou.

For Holden’s side, now it was about experience and holding on, with Bentley watching a curling Tommy Smith effort deflect over before City cleared the resulting corner.

Weimann strikes the second

There was still time for more celebrations however, as City struck with a minute to go and put the game beyond doubt. The move started with a goal kick, which Diédhiou flicked on. Weimann had to battle to win the 50/50 with Batth initially, the ball fell kindly for Semenyo who squared it back to the unmarked Weimann and the forward kept a cool head before rolling the ball beyond Davies.

There was no time for a Stoke fightback, meaning a second City win from as many games in the league – not forgetting a fourth, consecutive victory in all competitions - ahead of their return to Ashton Gate on Thursday (September 24^th) where Aston Villa await in the Carabao Cup Round Three, 7pm KO.

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