'Resilience' - Liam Manning reveals the three things that impressed him in Bristol City's hard-fought Sunderland stalemate

Liam Manning says he was impressed with Bristol City’s ‘resilience, spirit and fight’ in their 0-0 draw with Sunderland on Saturday.

The result backed up wins against Leicester City and Plymouth Argyle, as the Robins had to play without key man Rob Dickie.

“I’m more pleased with the outcome than the performance, I think we showed a different side to us today,” Manning told BBC Radio Bristol.

“It wasn’t free-flowing, we had to show a level of resilience, spirit and fight. The conditions made the game extremely difficult, but I'm pleased for the lads that we kept another clean sheet and continued our little unbeaten run.”

The Robins had goalkeeper Max O’Leary to thank after an inspired performance from the goalkeeper kept them in the match for spells.

A top save from Daniel Ballard and several more to prevent Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham from opening the scoring proved vital as the Robins kept a third consecutive clean sheet.

“I thought he was outstanding today, we got away with a point mainly because of him,” Manning said.

“I lost count of how many top saves he made so I'm delighted for him and that he’s got another clean sheet.”

Mike Dodds’ side also struck the crossbar twice, through Adil Aoucheche and Bradley Dack.

City tried to hit back with their attacking players but couldn’t forge any real openings, Matty James’ effort was gathered by Anthony Patterson before Joe Williams’ late strike was blocked.

Manning continued: “Four out of five clean sheets is showing that balance of playing our style but also being able to grind out results because, over a 55-game season, it’s not always going to look fantastic.”

City host Blackburn Rovers at Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening, before Huddersfield Town travel to Ashton Gate next Saturday.