Bristol City's search for a first win of 2024 goes on as they were defeated 1-0 by Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United on Friday night.
Wilfried Gnonto's left-footed strike early in the second half proved enough for the Whites as they moved into the automatic promotion spots.
The result leaves the Robins in 13th place, six points adrift of the play-off places.
Liam Manning’s side mad a lively start in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate, as City looked to stamp their mark on the match in the early stages.
The visitors, though, were quick to make their threat apparent, as Crysencio Summerville and Gnonto showed some bright touches in and around the City box.
A quick move from the hosts almost unlocked the Whites’ defence when Max O’Leary’s pinpoint lob found Cam Pring, who nodded Nahki Wells through on goal.
The Bermudan made a yard and struck at goal, but the outstretched leg of Ethan Ampadu denied a clean shot at goal.
The Robins were almost the masters of their own downfall at the other end, when a blunder from George Tanner allowed Summerville to bear down on goal.
Summerville attempted to dink the ball over O’Leary, but the City man pawed his effort away from danger.
Daniel Farke’s men continued to push for an opening goal and it took a brilliant O’Leary save from point-blank range to deny Georginio Rutter after good work from Patrick Bamford on the right flank.
City held on until the break but soon after, Leeds opened the scoring. Junior Firpo’s ball inside was smartly dummied by Patrick Bamford, which allowed Gnonto to latch onto the loose ball.
The Italian skipped past Rob Dickie and slotted home past O’Leary to give the visitors a served lead.
Leeds could smell blood and came close to doubling their lead soon after. Pring lost the ball in a dangerous area which allowed Farke’s team to counterattack.
Summerville played the ball to Glen Kamara, who was smothered by the onrushing O’Leary before he could fire an effort at goal.
City struggled to have any impact on the match in an attacking sense, as Leeds were able to easily control the tempo of the game.
A rare moment of promise saw Tommy Conway slide Anis Mehmeti through on goal, but Illan Meslier was out fast to deny the Albanian.
Summerville continued to threaten and could’ve sealed the result before the final whistle, as Leeds ran out comfortable winners.
Here's how the Robins fared...
1. Max O'Leary - 8
Made a few brilliant stops in the first half, notably from Summerville, Bamford and Rutter, and was comfortable with balls into the box. Played a few well-measured long balls out to Pring who looked to find the forward players. Possibly could’ve done a little more to prevent Gnonto from opening the scoring but that may be harsh on the keeper given the number of times he rescued City on the night.
2. George Tanner - 5
Made a poor error when he was last man which allowed Summerville through on goal, but O’Leary spared his blushes. Had a couple of other shaky moments but was up against a dangerous opponent in Summerville who gives most defenders the run-around.
3. Zak Vyner - 5
Had a tough evening up against some tricky forwards and was beaten by a few clever runs by Bamford at times. Allowed the striker to nip away from him down the right flank before O’Leary eventually saved Rutter’s effort.
4. Rob Dickie - 6
Was unable to get on the ball as much as he’d have liked as Leeds were in control for long spells. Dealt with his opponents well in general but was left wrong-footed by Bamford’s dummy which led to the opening goal.