Bristol City 1-0 Stoke City: player ratings, MOTM, heroes & villains as Robins claim rare home win

Bristol City eased pressure off of manager Nigel Pearson as they secured a 1-0 win over Stoke City at Ashton Gate.

Tyreeq Bakinson scored the only goal of the game as the Robins secured a first clean sheet in 12 matches, as well as ending a three-match winless run.

Stoke City captain Joe Allen was sent off in stoppage time as Pearson’s men edged out the promotion chasing side in just the third league win at home this calendar year.

City move up to 18th from the victory, eight points clear of the relegation zone, whilst Stoke drop down to sixth.

Tale of the match

It was a nervous start from Bristol City, who were error-prone in the opening few stages with Callum O’Dowda booked for a foul. There wasn’t even a minute on the clock before Steven Fletcher hit the post with Mario Vrančić’s drilled cross.

City almost gifted the opener as Joe Williams’ attempted back-pass fed in Jacob Brown but the Stoke forward wasn’t confident in his finish but forced Daniel Bentley into action.

Dealing with the Stoke pressure, City eventually were able to break out and had a penalty appeal turned down. O’Dowda worked a cross into the box and Leo Østigård intercepted it by kicking the ball onto his arm unintentionally.

Fletcher for Stoke gave Bristol a warning sign and he positioned himself for another key opportunity. Josh Tymon’s pinpoint cross met the head of Fletcher but it cannoned off of the crossbar.

They were made to rue their missed opportunities as against the run-of-play, the home side went in front. Stoke during the Tony Pulis era was known for a deadly Rory Delap long-throw, but they were undone by one. Tomáš Kalas’ launched the ball into the box for Martin to flick on to Bakinson who lifted his shot over Adam Davies.

In the second-half, the game became a scrappy affair with the referee having to contend with shirt-pulling as well as some unseen fouls. Referee Oliver Langford was tested as he decided to keep Alex Scott on the pitch despite his lunge on Fletcher.

A shot-shy second-half didn’t provide as many chances as it should have done but Stoke did have a chance to draw level. Substitute Tyrese Campbell latched on to a ball over the top but thumped his shot into the side netting.

In nine-minutes of stoppage time, Bristol City’s job was made easier as Joe Allen was dismissed for a second yellow card. The man advantage meant City could see out the match unchallenged by the Stoke attack.

The heroes

Tyreeq Bakinson: What a performance from Bakinson, who is enjoying his run in the side. He stepped up to the plate in Matty James’ absence but chipped in with the match-winning goal.

The 23-year-old made four clearances and won more aerial duels than he lost whilst he recovered possession ten times.

Tomas Kalas: His long-throw caused Stoke City a number of problems tonight, forging a good relationship with Chris Martin. The ball boys were made sure to be equipped with towels so the ball could be dried as he launched it in.

Ayman Benarous: In just his second start in a red shirt, academy product Benarous brought a calmness to the midfield. He timed his tackles correctly and was neat in the way he moved possession.

The villains

Alex Scott: During the first-half, the teenager had a difficult first-half dealing with Joe Tymon, who had the better of him on a number of occasions. He did make a number of changes which excited the crowd, as he tried to make a mark on the game.

In the second-half, he was fortunate to stay on the pitch as he escaped a red card. Leading into a challenge on Steven Fletcher with his studs up, the wing-back had no attempt to play the ball.

Joe Allen: A player of Allen’s experience shouldn’t have given the referee the chance to send him off. The Wales midfielder was dismissed three minutes from time when his side were chasing an equaliser. It was his second red card in as many games.

Adam Davies: His positioning for Bakinson’s goal ultimately ended up being costly. He was the last line of defence and he was perhaps easily beaten by the midfielder.

Player ratings

Bristol City: Dan Bentley 6, Zak Vyner 7, Tomas Kalas 7, Nathan Baker 7, (Rob Atkinson, 84), Alex Scott 6, Joe Williams 6, (Han-Noah Massengo, 58;6), Tyreeq Bakinson 8, Callum O’Dowda 6 (Cameron Pring, 87;6), Ayman Benarous 6, Andreas Weimann 6, Chris Martin 7. 

Stoke City: Adam Davies 5, Leo Østigård 6, (Thomas Ince, 82;6), Danny Batth 7, James Chester 6, Tommy Smith 6, Romaine Sawyers 6, Joe Allen 5, Mario Vrančić 6, (Alfie Doughty, 71;6), Josh Tymon 6, Jacob Brown 6, (Tyrese Campbell, 70;6), Steve Fletcher 7.

Man of the Match

Tyreeq Bakinson. Solid performance from the match-winning midfielder.

What’s next?

It’s a longer wait for a game this weekend as Bristol City aren’t in action until Sunday. They are on the road and face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane with a scheduled kick-off time at 12.30.

For Michael O’Neill, he will have to pick his side up as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.