Liam Manning has called for patience over Bristol City’s forward line as the Robins’ struggles in front of goal were clear for all to see during their 1-1 draw against rivals Cardiff City.
After a goalless draw in midweek against Sheffield Wednesday, where City should’ve found a goal, Manning’s men were once again frustrated as they failed to put away their chances against the Bluebirds, who sit bottom of the league.
The Robins could’ve opened the scoring within 19 seconds as Sinclair Armstrong shoved off Dimitrios Goutas before blazing over the bar. The 21-year-old had another two clear chances to set City on their way in the opening minutes of the contest but was unable to find the net.
After failing to take their first half chances, the Robins fell behind nine minutes into the second period following an excellent Ollie Tanner strike before Luke McNally equalised on 73 minutes.
Armstrong, Scott Twine and Yu Hirakawa all arrived at Ashton Gate over the summer, with Anis Mehmeti the only figure in the front line who started on Sunday at BS3 on a permanent basis last term.
And Manning has called for patience over his attacking department after questions were again raised as City couldn’t convert there chances.
He told Bristol Live: “It’s work everyday. It’s also being quite clear on what we are. Sincs is a good example, if he had a big history of scoring goals, he’s not available to us. He’s a Premier League player physically, he’s 21-years-old, he’s not got a huge number of games and I think everyone has seen in the first nine games how exciting he is but naturally it’s going to take a bit of time.
“I know we’ll get there purely from the fact that he’s a terrific lad, you see how honest he is with his work, he competes, he’s willing to learn and is open then it’s about doing the work everyday and making sure it clicks. The bit I can’t give you is the time that’ll happen.
“But when you look at it already I think he’s naturally caused a huge amount of problems. Twiney immediately when he turns in the pocket looks for him straight away so you can see the relationship developing.
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“Yu’s only started three games in English football so as exciting as he is, it’s going to take a little bit of time for him to constantly forge relationships. It’ll get there, I’m confident of it.”
Wednesday evening’s 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday saw City control large parts of the proceedings but couldn’t break down the Owls’ resilient defence. It was a familiar tale against Cardiff on Sunday and Manning believes his side have to work unlocking sides who sit behind the ball and defend.
He added: “I’m frustrated every time we concede a goal, I don’t want us to concede goals. I want us to defend well like the other night and I want us to control games.
“We had a lot of the ball but it’s then about how you get the balls in the areas and that’s not easy when they put that many behind the ball, they block, they move well and they’re well set up. It’s then about being brave enough and not being afraid to stick one in or combine to get down the sides or get a cross in and generate pressure that way.”