Nigel Pearson’s 26-word verdict on Bristol City’s harrowing loss to Birmingham City

Bristol City's winless run was extended to five matches as they suffered a thumping 3-0 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrews.

The Robins fell behind in the third minute thanks to a goal from Auston Trusty and just before the first-half closed out, he added a second goal.

The misery was compounded when Dion Sanderson fifteen minutes from time increased the margin to three, handing them their heaviest defeat of the campaign.

It was a dominant performance from John Eustace's side who had been five places below them before kick-off. Out of the seven shots that City had only one of them was on target in a frustrating day in front of goal, despite having the fairer share of possession.

Nigel Pearson wasn't too pleased with the performance of his players with many individuals claimed to be have 'under-performed' in the defeat.

His thoughts were summarised in an interview with the club media where in the first question, he was almost struggling for words in his response, showing his bewilderment of the performance of the players.

"It was awful," he said to Robins TV in what was the the first three words of a 26-word answer.

"There is no defence for that performance today. It's my team so I take responsibility externally, internally I will say what I say."

From Pearson's assessment of the game, there will be an inquest as to why City performed as they did and that discussion will be held amongst the first-team squad and staff.

A result of City's defeat and winless run have seen them go as potential play-off contenders to a side that are teetering towards the lower-half of the table. Pearson's side are now 18th and are four points above West Bromwich Albion who occupy the third and final relegation spot.