‘Ugly’ - Nigel Pearson’s honest opinion on Bristol City’s draw against Wigan
Rob Atkinson’s goal was cancelled out by Ashley Fletcher as Bristol City were held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan
Nigel Pearson said that Bristol City lacked a ‘clinical edge’ in their 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic at Ashton Gate on Wednesday night.
Rob Atkinson headed the Robins in front in the first half, before Ashley Fletcher slotted home from close range to level in the second half.
City struck the woodwork twice as they went in search of a winner, but couldn’t make the breakthrough.
The manager was pleased with his side’s display but insisted that they should’ve been more decisive in the final third. “We didn't create too many fantastic chances but we created some really good opportunities that we didn't make the most of,” he said.
“Hitting the woodwork might get an ‘ooo’ from the crowd but we created some better opportunities, and if we’d had a bit more of a clinical edge to us, we would've seen them off.”
Andi Weimann had several openings down the right-hand side in the second half, but couldn’t make the final pass or shot. Cam Pring had a couple of goalbound efforts blocked too, as a robust display from Shaun Maloney’s men earned them a valuable point.
Although chances came at a premium for City, Pearson believed his side were the most likely winners with time running out.
“We responded pretty well (to the equaliser), if any side was going to win it it was going to be us. I think it’s an illustration of how far we’ve come, that we’re disappointed with a game like that. It wasn’t the best game ever but they're a side who are scrapping and need to be organised, they need to make the game difficult for their opponents.
“It wasn’t an easy game for us but I still thought we were the better side, we just didn't do enough to win the game.”
Wigan’s defensive approach limited space in behind for City to penetrate, the Latics themselves didn’t venture forward much, and the two sides had just three shots on target between them over the 90 minutes.
“They didn't really create anything during the game, let's put it like that,” Pearson added. “They didn't really create a lot, let's be honest. But, they were dangerous from set plays and we gave too many set plays away.
“It was quite dour. They were here to make it difficult for us and they did. It wasn’t the best game of football ever. They sat deep and tried to create goalscoring opportunities through set plays, and fair play to them. If I was in their situation, I'd be doing the same thing, I’d be making it ugly.”
City could’ve got 11th with a win, bit instead drop a place to 16th. Pearson’s side travel to Sunderland on Saturday, February 18.