BBC Final Score have their say on Bristol City as 'clear weakness' identified in defeat to QPR

An optimistic opening to the season for Bristol City came under slight jeopardy ahead of the international break as the Robins fell to a second league defeat of the season to make it four Championship matches without a win.

In-form QPR left Ashton Gate with all three points as the Hoops came from behind to win 2-1 in controversial circumstances, fans and head coach Gerhard Struber alike left aggrieved that match-winner Paul Smyth was not penalised for a push on Ross McCrorie.

The Robins did not create enough at the other end, though, having just one shot on target despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory. Two home defeats to Oxford United and QPR have raised concerns about Bristol City’s play-off credentials, while Struber’s side have not tasted victory since their trip to Sheffield Wednesday on September 13.

The Robins now have the international break to work on their weaknesses before they travel to Norwich City to face struggling former manager Liam Manning next up.

Bristol City weakness stated as BBC Final Score analyse latest defeat

BBC Final Score’s John Acres analysed the Robins’ performance during their defeat to QPR at Ashton Gate and identified their failure to deal with The Hoops’ aerial threat as the deciding factor on the day.

Both goals came from crosses from the QPR right, which managed to find their way to the back post before being put away clinically. Radek Vitek was given little chance in goal, but he should have been helped out more by his defenders.

“Bristol City struggled with the aerial ball in their 2-1 defeat to QPR, and the visitors took full advantage,” said Acres. “There were too many hopeful passes played into the QPR penalty area looking for Emil Riis which were easily dealt with, and the hosts looked vulnerable when defending set-pieces and crosses.

“Bristol City took the lead and looked comfortable for long spells - until two balls into the box, one resulting in Richard Kone's equaliser, the other in Paul Smyth's late header, ultimately cost them. It suggests that for City, clean sheets may be harder to come by unless they shore up aerial organisation and are more decisive with second balls.”

Bristol City must improve aerially and make Ashton Gate a fortress once again

Playing five at the back including dominant centre-backs such as Rob Dickie and Rob Atkinson, Bristol City should not be having such aerial issues as they did in the decisive moments against QPR.

Long-term injuries to key figures such as defender Luke McNally, goalkeeper Max O’Leary and midfielder and captain Jason Knight can be cited as reasons for a lack of continuity at the back, with centre-back Zak Vyner even stepping into midfield in recent matches due to an injury to the latter. But Struber must work with his side to ensure such issues are not repeated, as aerial prowess and defensive solidity are the bread and butter for sides looking to challenge at this level.

Bristol City’s home form has also begun to be a worry. They have won just one of five home league games this campaign, having made Ashton Gate somewhat of a fortress last year. The Robins placed fourth in the Championship’s home league table in 2024/25, winning 13 of 23 games and losing just three. Having already lost two at home within the space of a month, concerns will be building. Struber will need to work to turn things around, quickly.