‘Biggest strength’ - What Nigel Pearson said about Bristol City win vs Birmingham

Nigel Pearson admitted that Bristol City’s 4-2 victory over Birmingham City on Saturday was ‘needed’, following an eight-game winless run at Ashton Gate.

Antoine Semenyo opened the scoring on the 17-minute mark, and Nahki Wells added a second minutes later.

Troy Deeney pulled a goal back from the penalty spot prior to halftime before a brace from Mark Sykes gave the hosts a three-goal cushion.

Twice former Robins target Reda Khadra made it 4-2 late on, but Pearson’s side held on for the victory.

Pearson emphasized the importance of the result. “A win that we needed and it was a good win,” he said.

“I’m pleased, I’m pleased for the players. I thought the atmosphere was good at the ground today, the punters were good. We needed to win, it’s as simple as that. We needed to win today and I think it was a very good team performance.”

Following a strong second-half showing in a 4-3-3 formation against Swansea City last weekend, the Robins lined up in a similar fashion against the Blues.

Semenyo’s and Sykes’ pace in behind caused the visiting defence problems all game which was key to the victory.

Pearson continued: “We wanted to be positive and on the front foot. That’s a cliché that everybody uses but we are not the best side I the world when we try and soak pressure up. We’re not that type of a side.

“We have to utilise what one of our biggest strengths is and that is our ability to run. We’ve worked really hard to change the profile of this team from a side that can’t run, and that’s what it was when I arrived here, the fitness stats were woeful.”

The three points were the Robins’ first at BS3 since October 12 against Preston North End.

Since that victory, they have lost five of their previous eight matches at the gate, including a shock 3-1 defeat to Lincoln City in the EFL Cup.

Following their Boxing Day defeat to West Bromwich Albion, fans made their opinions known toward Pearson, and the manager was keen to stress again the importance of Saturday’s win for the supporters.

“We needed a home result, a home win, we’ve had some good performances you know, Sheffield United, Watford, Swansea, we’ve had some good performances.

“The win today was the most important thing and we’ve got it. I’m pleased for the fans today, I’m pleased for the fans, and I’m pleased for the players because it allows them to look forward to the next game with positive intent.”

The Robins face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium in an FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday night.