Bristol City fans vent frustration as below-par Robins draw with Peterborough - the talking points

Bristol City were forced to settle for a point as they were held to a 1-1 draw with bottom of the table Peterborough United at Ashton Gate.

Rob Atkinson’s first-half header was cancelled out by a composed finish from rumoured January transfer target Jonson Clarke-Harris, despite being left disadvantaged after Joe Ward’s dismissal.

Here are the key take away’s from a frustrating afternoon in B36 as the Sky Bet Championship season continues to draw to a frustrating end.

Fans frustrations at the full-time whistle

This was a performance and a result that did not please the supporters at all. A majority had headed for the exits before the game was out for those who did stay, they voiced their discontent.

Chants of “This is embarrassing.” came from the louder section of the ground, who continued to boo even when the players showed their appreciation to them.

When asked about the reaction from supporters, Nigel Pearson said: "I'm not really too bothered about that to be fair. You're here to ask me about the game aren't you?

“Two poor teams today. They're poor because of quality, and we're poor because our personality lets us down.”

Whilst perhaps he didn’t want to be drawn onto their frustrations too much and was trying to be respectful, perhaps another manager may have answered differently and approached it from a different angle.

As paying customers, who earlier this week, have a decision to make on whether to renew their season tickets and they may hang on to Pearson’s comments.

Han-Noah Massengo benched again

The 20-year-old had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes again against Peterborough.

He did start the games against Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion, but his place isn’t as certain in the side as it would have been before.

There is no doubt that he possesses a tremendous amount of talent but his spells in and out of the side are raising question marks on where he fits into the plans moving forward.

For Joe Williams, who has had his problems with injuries this season, to start over Massengo, perhaps is a sign of where Pearson sees his midfield. From a different point of view, perhaps it was just getting minutes on the clock for Williams.

Massengo’s contract is up at the end of next season and his lack of minutes may put off potential suitors.

A familiar face turns up at Ashton Gate

Despite his current side Alanyaspor being in action against Besiktas, Famara Diedhiou was back in Bristol.

Since leaving B36, the 29-year-old has gone on to win the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, whilst also qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He had a successful spell at the club and delivered with all five of his seasons returning double figures, and as such became a popular figure amongst the fans.

A year ago, the striker was on the books of the club and his contract was nearing its expiration. He wasn’t able to say his goodbyes but fans were at least able to engage with the striker today.

Sat in the Lansdowne Stand, the Senegalese forward was happy to pose for photos with supporters, who have sung his name even since his departure.

It was good to see him receive a good reception despite not ending his time at the club that either parties would have wanted to, before they went in opposite directions.

Pearson now feeling the pressure?

The post-match press conference lasted all but five minutes and you could tell there was a feeling of frustration from the City boss on the manner of the performance.

The first-half was all Peterborough and despite City taking the lead, Pearson still felt the need to make a substitute to try and change things.

“We’ve got five games left and the players that are here can either be here next year, or not,” said the 58-year-old, who uttered similar words after the defeat to Swansea City.

“That goes for me as well, if I’m not here, whoever comes in has got the same problem and that is getting players to play.”

Pearson is only one year into what is a three-year deal but this has been a frustrating end to the season but it will be interesting to see what happens when the final ball is kicked on May 7.

His comments do not lead us to think he is considering leaving but more that the job he has at the football club right now is a difficult one.

A ‘shake-up’ in the summer was spoken about and that has been what the fans have been keen to see, as the club tries to manage itself through a period where it is recovering from heavy financial losses.

As a result of what has happened off the pitch, the on-the-field product has seen the purse stings tightened when it comes to transfers and now more discussions may need to be had moving forward.