One winner and loser for Bristol City after FA Cup defeat to Man City | OneFootball

Bristol City are out of the FA Cup after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Ashton Gate last night but the Robins can feel proud after an impressive display in which they took the game to the Premier League champions.

Two late goals for the visitors makes the scoreline look steeper than it really was and there can be no denying that Nigel Pearson’s side worried their opponents for long periods.

Heads could have easily gone down when Phil Foden gave Man City an early lead but the Championship side remained brave and had plenty of chances of their own, including a contentious penalty appeal that was waved away.

The Robins’ focus will now shift back to the league and the trip to Severnside rivals Cardiff City on Saturday but we’re reflecting on last night’s game and have picked out one winner and one loser…

Winner: Tomas Kalas

It was hard to pick just one winner – such was the quality of so many of the performances from players in red shirts last night.

Matty James and Alex Scott were both highlighted for praise by Pep Guardiola after the game but Tomas Kalas is our winner.

With Rob Atkinson out injured, Kalas’ second start of the season came against the Premier League champions but he produced a remarkable display – making some massive challenges, throwing himself in front of shots, and sweeping up well.

It was a reminder that when the Czech is at his best, there are few better centre-backs in the Championship.

His contract is up in the summer but last night’s display will surely have encouraged the club chiefs to try and extend his stay at Ashton Gate.

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It feels harsh to label anyone a loser after a defiant display against a top team last night but there can be no denying that George Tanner endured a difficult evening. The 22-year-old right-back was up against an inspired Phil Foden and could not keep a lid on him.

Pearson’s decision to take Tanner off at halftime was a reflection of a testing 45 minutes for the defender, who was – understandably – struggling to keep up with one of the brightest young attackers in the world.

The former Manchester United academy player has been hugely impressive over the past few months and will learn from last night but it was a tough evening for him and certainly not his best performance in a Bristol City shirt.