City manager backing 20-goal Weimann to get even better
Talking points from Bristol City’s victory against Derby County at Pride Park, by
IT was a game of milestones as Bristol City made it four matches undefeated with backto-back away wins after a dominant display at Derby.
With both sides playing for pride, it had all the makings of an entertaining contest and it certainly delivered in that respect with two goals in either half.
Andi Weimann hit his 20th goal of the season to pull off the first milestone of the day. Antoine Semenyo then doubled the lead with a brilliant finish seven minutes before half-time.
Derby came out fighting in the second half, which they have shown throughout a grim season, and pulled one back when Craig Forsyth set up an intriguing final 30 minutes of action.
After Duncan Idehen came on for his debut, a second milestone, Timm Klose clocked up the hattrick when he nodded home Matty James’ cross to claim his first Bristol City goal and ensure the points would be going back to Bristol.
Here’s the match verdict on a productive and impressive display on a sunny afternoon in Derby.
ANDI WEIMANN CAN GET EVEN BETTER
NO other place to start than the superb Austrian who has hit unprecedented figures for the first time in his career.
He must have been doubting whether his moment would arrive, having gone three games in search of the elusive figure, before Chris Martin’s deft flick put him through on goal in the 10th minute and he was never going to miss.
As Nigel Pearson said in his postmatch press conference, the figure really is incredible considering the injury troubles he endured throughout last season. It was only last summer that Weimann’s future was in doubt with his contract expiring and Stoke showing an interest. However, City offered him a three-year deal - more than Stoke would be willing to put on the table - and he ultimately became the Robins’ signing of the season.
He’s repaid the faith and more, not just for his goal record but his work ethic off the ball and the influence he is having on the likes of the younger players coming through the ranks, such as Tommy Conway and Sam Bell.
This season, Weimann has played up front, as a No 10, a right wing-back and even on Saturday he ended the game in a left-midfield role. He admitted after the game that playing behind the two strikers remains his favoured position and the way to get the best out of his ability, telling the Bristol Post: “I’m really enjoying where I’m playing in behind the two strikers. It gets the best out of me and the goal shows I can break from deep and get in. Hopefully, I can continue playing in that position.”
Pearson highlighted his professionalism after the match and even declared he has the ability to get even better.
He said: “It depends on attitude, Andi’s very open to new ideas and I think he has plenty of possibilities to get even better. He’s got better this year with his finishing. He’s a really good pro.”
BEATING THE POINTS TALLY
ANOTHER milestone to tick off the list and this one feels relatively important in the grand scheme of things when it comes to Bristol City’s progress.
Following the Peterborough draw, there was every chance City’s season would end in a damp squib with little to play for and a relatively
tricky remaining string of matches. Two wins away from home and a draw with Sheffield United on home soil has taken City’s points tally to 52 - one more than last season.
Considering the difficulties and challenges that City have faced throughout the campaign and the pressure the manager has been under on the back of this threeyear plan, this will certainly feel like a welcome relief, even if the manager is reluctant to admit it.
When asked about whether the improvement in points tally is evidence that progress has been made this season, Pearson was keen to highlight how supporters should look at the bigger picture.
“We’ve made progress,” he said. “We’re thankful that we’ve beaten last season’s points total and we’ve got two games left to try and build on some good performances of late. It’s such a hard division to be consistent in, especially with a young side. It is about results but there is a bigger picture for us and that is that we are starting to produce some really good players.”
WHERE IS CAM PRING? YOU can’t help but feel the future is ominous for Cam Pring following the latest omission from the matchday squad.
On Monday, with Pring and Zak Vyner absent from the draw over Sheffield United manager Pearson said it was an opportunity for youngster Duncan Idehen to gain some senior experience with the matchday squad.
While one game was enough to
turn a blind eye to the situation, a second in succession in the absence of Jay Dasilva does raise some serious questions.
Pring remains the only out-andout replacement for Dasilva, who failed a fitness test in the build-up to the match, with Pearson opting to start attacking midfielder Ayman Benarous in his position.
Benarous, who filled Dasilva’s boots for the second half against the Blades, put up a decent showing in an unfamiliar position and Pearson obviously felt he did enough to warrant a starting role at wing-back again.
With no recognised wing-back on the bench, and Idehen the only defensive option, Pring’s involvement was perhaps expected but Pearson instead chose three forwards to make up the matchday squad in Nahki Wells, Tommy Conway and Bell.
DUNCAN IDEHEN HERE’S TO STAY
A SUPERB moment for the young defender to make his Bristol City debut - and fully deserved after his performances for the Under-23s this season.
Idehen arrived at City with a point to prove, having failed to earn a deal at Birmingham following a brief trial period, and apparently released from his contract by mutual consent at Grimsby. When Pearson was quizzed whether he’ll stay on with his contract approaching the end, the manager responded “he’ll be staying” before going on to praise his physicality and ability to pick out a pass.