‘That is how you should play when you go to the Etihad’

I, like imagine many City fans, have had a peculiar week. I am not accustomed to turning on my favourite sports-based radio station and to hear my football team being the prime topic of conversation. Bristol City were – for 24 hours at least – the talk of the sporting world here in the UK and I have to say, I quite enjoyed it.

Not since City were in the Championship final nearly eleven years ago has the club been in the focus of the national media to such an extent. Lee Johnson’s side won plaudits from across the board for the manner in which they tried to take the game to Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City.

We had eight shots on target, more than any club visiting the Etihad this season. We were only seconds away from a draw but to be going into the second-leg with just a one goal deficit will give hope to fans and players alike that something truly magical can happen at Ashton Gate.

The game itself was a pretty enjoyable watch. We rode our luck at times and I found myself shouting at the telly on occasion, especially as they broke with such pace on the counter attack. Overall though, we defended brilliantly and were still able to play our attacking pressing game. I am not the first to say it, but: that is how you should play when you go to the Etihad.

Among all the deserved plaudits showered on Lee Johnson were the inevitable questions regarding his future. Is he good enough to manage at a higher level? If City don’t go up this season should he be looking to move to a bigger club? And so on and so forth.

Something that I think that is worth mentioning in relation to Johnson’s future is the question of loyalty. Steve Lansdown showed great faith in sticking by Lee Johnson last season and I would suggest that Lee would want to repay that faith and would not jump ship at the first chance of Premiership management.

Johnson is still young in managerial terms and would no doubt be cautious of not wanting to run before he can walk. If he were to move he would surely want the opportunity to build and grow a side as he has done with us, so, I don’t think City fans need to have any concerns about him leaving anytime soon.

It was nice to see our new signing get a run out against Manchester City. Liam Walsh completed the much talked about move from Everton last week for a fee believed to be around the £1 million mark. Despite being only 20 years old, and having made just a handful of professional appearances, Johnson seems set to utilise him in the first team with immediate affect.

Rumours are circulating that City might be in for one or two more signings before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Ryan Kent, a youngster currently at Liverpool, is one player that would no doubt add real quality in a wide position and could potentially be available to loan.

City’s recent exploits in the cup have no doubt endeared themselves to the like of Klopp, who also embraces the attacking style of football being adopted by the like of Bristol City this season. I also think that the players are gaining invaluable experience of playing in such pressured and high-stakes games, which may come in use at the end of the season should the club find themselves competing in the play-offs.

City host Norwich City this weekend, who have just lost their influential play-maker, Alex Pritchard, to Huddersfield. Fingers crossed the Norfolk side will be reeling from this loss and let’s hope City can get a victory over a side who are underperforming in the view of many.

Lastly, let’s also hope Tuesday night’s performance will spur a few more to come to the game on Saturday and we can get near to filling our wonderful stadium.

Follow Dave Skinner on Twitter: @DavesBCFCblog