(FM14) Drink up thee cider!!!

Bristol City vs Leeds - 26th November 2016
3-1
Berardi 9.0 rating
Berardi 28 mins
Buitrago 46, 74 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy made two changes to his side as Lucas Evangelista replaced Rodrigo Gomez and Alex Sandro came in for the suspended Denswil. Managerless Leeds United (assistant Nigel Gibbs took charge for this one) had no injury concerns and also named ex City players Sam Baldock and Franco Zuculini on their bench.
The two teams lined up as follows:

City dominated this game from start to finish. Domenico Berardi opened the scoring after 30 minutes of heavy pressure from Andrew Booy's side. Straight from the 2nd half kick off Berardi then set up Mario Buitrago to make the score 2-0. Against the run of play Leeds striker Jelle Vossen pulled one back for United. However after Leeds midfielder Tomas Rincon received his 2nd yellow card of the game MOTM Berardi set up strike partner Buitrago to put the game to bed on 74 minutes.

Zenit vs Bristol City - 30th November 2016
4-3
Berardi 9.1 rating
Bogado 16 mins
Alvaro 24, 45+1 mins
Berardi 54 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy took the decision to field a young reserve side for this trip to Russia, with half an eye on the Premier League fixture against Southampton in 3 days time. That meant only Berardi, Can and Smalling retained their places from the win against Leeds last time out. Zenit had Danny and Alexandr Anyukov out through injury.
The two teams lined up as follows:

City took the lead after a fantastic left wing cross from Eugene Konoplyanka (returning from 5 weeks out through injury) found Esteban Gabriel Jesus Bogado for his first ever goal for Bristol City. Then after a mistake from City youngster Fanch Le Bras, Alexandr Ryanantsev equalised for Zenit. From the resulting kickoff Berardi played through Alvaro who restored City's lead. Then just before the break the same two players combined to make the score 3-1 at half time. In the 2nd half MOTM Domenico Berardi got on the end of another great Konoplyanka cross to put City 3 goals up. Zenit through everything at City in search of the goals to put them into the Europa cup via third place in the group and scored twice though Hulk and Alexandr Kerzhakov but the Robins held on for the win. The result was not got enough for top spot in Group E though as SLB beat Ajax to claim that honour.

November 2016 - THE REVIEW

Fixtures

CITY vs Ajax - 2nd November 2016 5-0 Champions League Group E
Wigan vs CITY - 5th November 2016 3-1
Cardiff vs CITY - 19th November 2016 0-1
CITY vs SLB - 22nd November 2016 3-3 Champions League Group E
CITY vs Leeds - 26th November 2016 3-1
Zenit vs CITY - 30th November 2016 4-3 Champions League Group E





Monthly Awards

Best Player - Domenico Berardi - average rating 7.70

The young Italian striker was thrust into the starting 11 after Jese's injury and has not disappointed getting 5 assists, 2 goals and 2 MOTM performances his month.

Highly commended
Mario Buitrago - average rating 7.58
The City captain has gone from strength to strength this month and netted a further 6 goals to take his total for the season to 17 goals in 19 starts.
Alvaro - average rating 7.54
The young City left winger gets a mention purely because he has scored 3 goals this month and progressed well in training. Definitely a star for the future and if he keeps finding the back of the net it could be sooner rather than later.

Coming Up.......

Bristol City vs Southampton - 3rd December 2016
5-0
Buitrago 9.5 rating
Allione pen 13, pen 45 mins
Buitrago 28 mins
Berardi 36 mins
Lucas Evangelista 53 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy reverted to his strongest possible 11 after resting many players in midweek. The only absentee was Emre Can through suspension so Rodrigo Gomez started in his place. Southampton only had Seamus Coleman out with food poisoning and named ex City defenders Stefan Strandberg and Marc Wilson in their match day squad.
The two teams lined up as follows:

This was probably manager Andrew Booy's best result and performance since taking the Ashton Gate hotseat. His team dominated from start to finish. Agustin Allione scored two penalties as Victor Wanyama fouled twice in the box in the first half (the Southampton midfielder got a match rating of 4.6). Their were also goals from Mario Buitrago (who got 3 assists as well), Domenico Berardi and Lucas Evangelista in the rout. The Premier League 'team of the week' had a certain Bristol City vibe to it!!!

Hull vs Bristol City - 10th December 2016
3-1
Rodrigo Gomez 8.6 rating
Rodrigo Gomez 26 mins
Berardi 38 mins
Allione 81 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy named an unchanged side from the one that won at Southampton. That meant only a spot on the bench for Emre Can after serving out his suspension. Hull manager Steve Bruce had no injuries or suspensions in his squad.
The two teams lined up as follows:

It was another good performance from Bristol City who have now won 7 games in the last 9 in all competitions. Andrew Booy's decision to leave Rodrigo Gomez in the team was vindicated as the MOTM opened the scoring on 26 minutes. Domenico Berardi added a 2nd goal from a well executed freekick that sailed in the top corner. After substitute Nikica Jelavic pulled one back for Hull Agustin Allione rounded off the scoring in the 81st minute.



The draw for the Champions League 1st knockout round was made this week and Bristol City have been drawn against German heavyweights Dortmund.

Crystal Palace vs Bristol City - 17th December 2016
3-0
Berardi 8.6 rating
Allione 1 min
Berardi 42 mins
Bogado 55 mins
Allione 45 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy named the same side again for the 3rd match running.....why change a winning formula!! It was a special day for City captain Mario Buitrago who started his 100th league game for the club at only the tender age of 21!! Ex City boss Tony Pulis had key players John Heitinga and Jon Williams out through injury.
The two teams lined up as follows:

City put in another really strong performance and it started within 23 seconds as Agustin Allione opened the scoring after a failed clearance in the Palace defence. Domenico Berardi then scored his 2nd freekick goal in as many matches just before the break. It was a shame that Allione sprained his ankle on half time, but his replacement Esteban Gabriel Jesus Bogado scored in the 2nd half to seal the win for City.

Bristol City vs Stoke - 21st December 2016
4-1
Berardi 9.5 rating
Berardi 61, 82, pen 90+3 mins
Bogado 65 mins



Manager's review
Their was only one enforced change for Andrew Booy as Agustin Allione will be out for 4/5 weeks so Esteban Gabriel Jesus Bogado takes his starting place. Stoke were without Thorgan Hazard, Lewis Dunk and Joe Ledley through injury.
The two teams lined up as follows:

The 1st half of this game was a drab affair and to be honest Stoke probably had more chances to take the lead than the home side. It was a different story in the 2nd half however as in a crazy 5 minute spell there were 3 goals (2 for Bristol City and 1 for Stoke). Domenico Berardi and Esteban Gabriel Jesus Bogado both score for the Robins from 2 assists from Mario Buitrago, then Jem Karacan got a goal for the visitors. Then came the Domenico Berardi show......first he scored a freekick (predictably!!) and then he wrapped up his hat trick with a penalty in the 93rd minute.

Bristol City vs Norwich - 26th December 2016
3-1
Berardi 8.0 rating
Denswil 21 mins
Berardi 54 mins
Buitrago 86 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy made two changes to his side as Emre Can replaced Rodrigo Gomez in central midfield and Eugene Konoplyanka replaced Tom Ince who picked up a dead leg in the match against Stoke previously. Norwich had two absentees from their squad as Dan Burn and Joshua Murphy were injured.
The two teams lined up as follows:

Bristol City opened the scoring from a corner as Stefano Denswil pounced on a lose ball in the box. In the 2nd half Domenico Berardi scored his 13th goal of the season from a Bogado cross to make the score 2-0. Nicklas Helenius pulled one back for Norwich before Mario Buitrago sealed the win with a goal in the 86th minute after a through ball from MOTM Berardi.

Bristol City vs Sunderland - 31st December 2016
0-0



Manager's review
Andrew Booy made one change to his side as Tom Ince replaced Konoplyanka on the left wing. It was also pleasing to see striker Jese back on the bench after resuming training from his long-term injury. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet had a number of injuries to deal with as Emanuele Giaccherini, Marc Muniesa, Alexander Kacaniklic and Santiago Vergini were all out.
The two teams lined up as follows:

The less is said about this game the better.......City dominated but couldn't break down the Sunderland defence on this sold out New Years Eve fixture at Ashton Gate. It meant City drew their final game in December and meant they couldn't record a perfect month of 6 victories from 6.

December 2016 - THE REVIEW

Fixtures

CITY vs Southampton - 3rd December 2016 5-0
Hull vs CITY - 10th December 2016 3-1
Crystal Palace vs CITY - 17th December 2016 3-0
CITY vs Stoke - 21st December 2016 4-1
CITY vs Norwich - 26th December 2016 3-1
CITY vs Sunderland - 31st December 2016 0-0



Monthly Awards

Best Player - Domenico Berardi - average rating 8.20

The striker won the Bristol City player of the month for the 2nd month running and also picked up the Barclays Premier League player of the month award.

The Italian scored 7 goals in 6 matches and has more than filled the boots of injured Jese. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish striker can work his way back into Andrew Booy's side.

Highly commended
Esteban Gabriel Jesus Bogado - average rating 7.56
Like Berardi, this 18 year old winger is only in the side because of an injury to Agustin Allione, but the Argentinian has impressed scoring two and creating one in some strong performances this month.
Eder Alvarez Balanta - average rating 7.34
The Colombian centre back has been solid at the back for City this month, marshalling a defence that has only conceded 3 goals in 6 matches.

Other news

Andrew Booy wins Manager of Month award


Mario Buitrago wins European Golden Booy 2016


Eden Hazard wins World player of year award


Coming Up.......

Marco's the man for Andrew Booy

Bristol City have started 2017 with a BIG statement as they have completed the signing of 27 year old Marco Reus from Borussia Dortmund for a club record fee of 29.5 million pounds. Andrew Booy activated a minimum fee release clause in the German internationals contract and he joins on a 70,000 pounds per week deal that runs until 2021.





Andrew Booy will likely play Reus on the left of his midfield and it remains to be seen whether both Tom Ince and Eugene Konoplyanka will remain at the club as clearly both are not needed to back up the new arrival.

City also sign youngster Abdel Fatah

A less high profile signing and one for the future, 18 year old Egyptian Mostafa Abdel Fatah joins City from Al-Ahly Sporting Club for 700,000 pounds. The young right back will be behind both Nathaniel Clyne and Martin Kaspar and hope to develop into a first team player in future years.

Bristol City vs Newcastle - 2nd January 2017
3-1
Denswil 8.1 rating
Jese 37 mins
Denswil 47 mins
Berardi 90 mins



Manager's review
Bristol City made five changes to the side as they had only played Newcastle's rivals 48 hours previously. Martin Kaspar, Chris Smalling, new signing Marco Reus, Rodrigo Gomez and Eugene Konoplyanka all came into the team. Newcastle also had tiredness to contend with and injuries to GK Tim Krul and Ryan Bennett.
The two teams lined up as follows:

On his first start since returning from injury, Jese opened the scoring for Bristol City with a placed shot that went in off the post on 37 minutes. Centre-back Stefano Denswil doubled City's lead from a corner after half time. The assist came from new signing Marco Reus on his debut. The record signing looks like he can contribute some assists/goals from deadball situations! Then as the game was dwindling down Ravel Morrison scored for the Magpies only for substitute Domenico Berardi to respond in the final minute of the game.

Morecambe vs Bristol City 7th January 2017
5-0
Guillamon 9.3 rating
Berardi 6, 63 mins
Ricardo Gomez 32 mins
Ince pen 42 mins
Le Bras 73 mins



Manager's review
Bristol City used this opportunity to play a youthful reserve side, which included a debut for new signing Mostafa Abdel Fatah. Morecambe, who are mid-table in League 2 had Ryan Williams out through injury and Padriag Amond suspended.
The two teams lined up as follows:

Domenico Berardi continued his rich vein of form bundling in a Tom Ince cross inside the opening 6 minutes. Then right winger Ricardo Gomez scored his 1st ever goal for the club from another Tom Ince cross after half an hour played. Tom Ince then managed to get himself on the scoresheet just before half time from the penalty spot. Berardi added his 2nd goal of the game with a freekick from 25 yards in the 2nd half. Then Fanch Le Bras scored his first ever goal for Bristol City from a corner from substitute Marco Reus. That goal meant Le Bras set a new record as Bristol City's youngest ever goal scorer at 16 years and 258 days old!!!

A special mention must also go to 16 year old Joaquin Guillamon who picked up the MOTM award with a superb performance that involved assisting 3 of City's 5 goals.

Konoplyanka exits Ashton Gate

Following the recent arrival of Marco Reus from Dortmund, Andrew Booy made his left winger Eugene Konoplyanka available for transfer to balance the financial books at Bristol City. The Ukrainian joined Spanish side Athletico Madrid for a fee in the region of 11.5 million pounds. The 27 year old had only joined City 6 months ago on a free transfer and played only 11 games for the club so Andrew Booy was pleased to see profit made in the deal.



Ricardo Gomez leaves on loan

In other transfer news young winger Ricardo Gomez has joined Premier League rivals Everton on loan for the remainder of the season. Everton will pay the wages of the youngster and a fee of around 550,000 pounds over the duration of the deal.

Arsenal vs Bristol City - 11th January 2017
2-3
ter Stegen 9.0 rating
Lucas Evangelista 19 mins
Buitrago 39 mins
Bogado 4 mins
Alvarez Balanta 75 mins



Manager's review
Andrew Booy reverted back to his strongest possible lineup for this important match at the Emirates Stadium against fellow Champions League qualifying hopefuls Arsenal. Agustin Allione was still out through injury but is expected back in the next couple of weeks. Also in form Domenico Berardi kept his starting place from Jese. Arsenal manager Claudio Ranieri had Aleksandar Dragovic and Kieran Gibbs out through injury.
The two teams lined up as follows:

City were punished for abandoning their usual 4-4-2 formation and destroyed by Arsenal in this game. The result would have been much worse had it not been for MOTM Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the City goal. The game started dreadfully for Andrew Booy as the Gunners scored through Olivier Giroud after only 50 seconds on the clock. Then with 3 minutes played Esteban Gabriel Jesus Bogado fractured his ribs in a robust challenge and had to come off injured meaning City played the whole game with an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite this Lucas Evangelista did score from 20 yards to equalise after 20 minutes. Then in the space of a couple of minutes goals from Timo Werner and Mesut Ozil gave Arsenal a deserved 3-1 lead. City captain Mario Buitrago got his 20th goal of the season against the run of play but City deserved to lose the game and to rub salt into the wound Eder Alvarez Balanta saw his 2nd yellow card with 15 minutes left on the clock. Arsenal now leapfrogged City into 4th place in the Premier League table.