Following their 2-0 loss to West Brom, Jason Knight and Bristol City are eager to respond against Luton Town.
“We would want to include a response from the other day. We want to demonstrate that through a performance and, more crucially, a result because we know it wasn’t good enough.”
Even though Bristol City’s season has been the most challenging and unpleasant thus far, captain Jason Knight of the Robins is obviously eager to focus on the future rather than the past.
Only one of Liam Manning’s team’s seven games since the November international break has seen them earn all three points, and they have lost their last four games. They are now eight points outside of the play-off spots in 12th place in the table as a result of their recent slump in performance.
Perhaps the worst of that recent run was this weekend’s 2-0 loss to West Brom, when the Reds did little to trouble Carlos Corberan’s defence and failed to contain the Baggies’ attacking flair. Knight is keen to make amends against Luton Town on Boxing Day, even though he and his teammates realise they haven’t done enough to convert strong performances into outcomes this season.
“It was undoubtedly annoying. The Ireland player clarified, “We never really got going.” “After two really brilliant goals from them and two careless goals from us, they took the lead for the remainder of the match.
“Both the performance and the afternoon were dismal. Fortunately, the games are coming thick and fast around Christmas. We’re working to get things right because we have a crucial game against Luton at home in a few days. Although yesterday’s performance was subpar, we still have an opportunity to try again. I am aware that there have been some negative outcomes, but perhaps not horrible performances in the past few.
“That most likely intensifies the dissatisfaction that the team and supporters felt yesterday. We understand that it is our responsibility to achieve those outcomes when we are at the top, and we will make every effort to do so throughout the course of the upcoming six months.”
Knight assumed the armband and was named City’s captain prior to the season’s commencement when Andi Weimann left in the summer. The midfield player, who is only 23 years old, has already made 180 Championship games. He was a mainstay at Derby before moving to Ashton Gate in the summer of 2023.
The midfielder is one of three Bristol City players who have played every minute of Championship football so far this season; the other two who haven’t received a break are Max O’Leary and Zak Vyner. The Robins captain is enjoying the task of leading his team as they attempt to return to winning ways, despite some people being quick to criticise the second division’s hectic schedule during the holiday season.
“I think it’s when you really need to step up, not only as a captain but as a leader and a player,” the 23-year-old clarified. “Now, in these difficult times, everyone must step forward. You have to step up and perform when things are not going your way.
First and first, I have to consider whether I am giving my best effort as an individual to support the team’s performance.
I really like it. It clearly has a negative impact on one’s physical and mental health, but that’s just the nature of the game. To be honest, it’s probably better to roll into games rather than training a lot, and you have to be prepared to go again every three or four days, or whatever it is.
“I’m enjoying it, I’m playing and I’m happy about that but I’ve got to keep showing why I’m playing and why my performances warrant that.”
The Reds’ midfield saw the greatest alterations during a hectic summer transfer window at Ashton Gate as Max Bird, George Earthy, Josh Stokes, and Marcus McGuane all came to the West Country to make a claim
beginning position.
In the end, Manning has only really used Knight, Bird, and McGuane in the middle of the park in recent weeks due to Stokes’ loan departure and Joe Williams’ injury. Even though the personalities of the three players are very different, they have worked effectively together thus far to support one another and create a competitive base that Manning’s attacking talent has been able to build upon.
As they continue to “grow” together and contribute more in the final third between now and the end of the league season, Knight is adamant that City’s new midfield trio still has more work to do.
“Obviously, it’s been mixed and matched in the midfield with me and Marcus sometimes, me and Birdy while Joe’s been out injured as well,” stated the former Derby County player. “The midfield has been a good team, and we’re beginning to understand one another and work towards improvement. That will help us advance in attacking areas, attempting to assist, and attempting to score goals on our own.
To be honest, I feel like I’ve been quite fortunate. Evidently, when I entered, Joe was already present. Birdy Marcus is an exceptionally talented and cerebral football player, with whom I played for several years at Derby. With my current midfield, I’m pretty fortunate. We’ve worked on it this year, and you can see it coming out as well. Everyone has experience and knows what they’re about, but they all have unique qualities.”
As captain, Knight has frequently had to deal with the media following unfavourable outcomes and respond to awkward questions, many of which have focused on the Reds’ lack of offensive output in the season’s last third.
The captain feels he and the rest of the team need to try to bear the load with the frontmen, even if some supporters have been quick to point the finger at summer acquisitions Fally Mayulu and Sinclair Armstrong for Bristol City’s struggles in the final third.
“We have youngsters in the forward areas, but it’s down to us as midfielders and other players around the pitch contributing goals and taking a bit of pressure off of them as well,” Knight said. “Nahki has undoubtedly contributed significantly in recent years. He has a lot of experience and has done a lot, but it’s up to us all, not just Sincs, Fally, or the player at the top.
“We must provide them with better possibilities as well since it’s a group effort. Maybe get five or six of them to convert so that it’s on all of us, but we can’t keep giving them one or two opportunities per game.”
Manning’s team, including Knight, has the opportunity to earn a first win in four games against Luton on Boxing Day, with games against Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle to follow over the festive period. Whether it be for good reasons or not, the next few days will likely be a useful indicator of what exactly City can achieve this season.
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