Bristol City’s players were unable to deliver to a sold-out crowd as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland in a frustrating display.
Ross Stewart netted the match-winning goal with a bullet header in the 71st minute. Ellis Simms scored a brace, first opening the scoring before Andi Weimann’s equaliser then he got the Black Cats on level terms after Chris Martin had given the Robins the lead for the first time.
It is their second consecutive loss after their opening day loss to Hull City, leaving them second from the bottom of the table, losing points from a winning again like they did last season.
The home defence started nervously and conceded from the real first shot they faced. Kal Naismith lost possession after being pressurised on the ball and Ellis Simms was able to beat Daniel Bentley with a laced shot.
City sought an immediate response and went near when Jay Dasilva laid the ball to Joe Williams but his shot deflected into Anthony Patterson’s hands.
The ever reliable Weimann got them back on level terms moments later as Zak Vyner worked the ball to the Austrian who showed composure and trickery before drilling it home.
The game eventually quieted down but on the half-hour mark Dennis Cirkin had to hook Chris Martin’s effort off the line after being fed in by Alex Scott, who showed neat footwork.
Shooting through a sea of bodies, Evans nearly restored the lead for the visitors but Bentley was able to claw his shot away in first-half stoppage time.
Five minutes after emerging from the dressing room, City took the lead in a somewhat simple goal. Weimann’s low cross found the feet of Martin which trickled its way past the defender and keeper.
Celebrations were short however as a cross-field ball cut out the defence and Simms was able to slot past the legs of Bentley.
Simms was a handful all day and almost got his hat-trick but was denied at point-blank range by a reactive save.
Despite two defensive reinforcements sent on, Kane Wilson could not stop Alex Pritchard’s cross from finding the head of Stewart who’s header looped into the net.
Martin had a guilt-edged chance to equalise with six minutes remaining but somehow dragged his shot away from goal despite being three-yards out in the final chance to salvage anything.
9. Alex Scott - 6
Showed some promise in the first-half with some individual brilliance but was worked out by Sunderland, nulifying his involvement. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
10. Andi Weimann - 7
The Austrian is picking up where he left off with no signs that he can’t match last season’s exploits after a goal and an assist. His brilliance is the difference between getting a point or a win on occasions, but today he left empty handed. It’s a case that there is only so much he can do from trying to turn the result in City’s favour. | Getty Images Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images
11. Chris Martin - 6
Did his job as a target-man by winning a number of flick ons when the ball came to him in the air. His goal wasn’t the cleanest of strikes but he’s got himself off the mark. He’ll be frustratd with himself however for not equalising from two-yards out with five minutes to go in a golden opportunity. | Getty Images Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images
12. Kane Wilson (subbed on for Mark Sykes, 65) - 5
Came on as Pearson tried to sure things up at the back but the third goal came from his side as he was unable to stop Pritchard’s cross. Had the opportunity to get himself on the score sheet but when the ball fell to him he spliced his shot. | Getty Images Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images