Tale of the unexpected as City get ripped apart by slick Stoke

Talking points from Bristol City's defeat to Stoke at the bet365 Stadium, by Dan Carter

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So often this season, Gerhard Struber and his Bristol City squad have greeted Bristol City supporters packed into various away ends up and down the country with fist bumps and big celebrations. In the moments after Saturday's defeat to Stoke City, however, the interaction was different.

While those who had stayed in their seats opted to commend the effort of their players, rather than boo and berate, the fist bumps were reserved for Sorba Thomas and his Stoke teammates, while Radek Vitek and other City players instead raised a hand in apology.

What had unfolded over the course of the previous 90 minutes, not even the most pessimistic Robins supporter could have expected. In a manner that has, in truth, become unfamiliar for City, they were victims of a clinical display and were unable to find the response needed. A slow start was punished when Divin Mubama turned a smart cross from the right flank home after four minutes, before the Manchester City loanee pounced on a Vitek error to double the Potters’ advantage midway through the first half. Before those in the away end, and on the pitch, could gather their thoughts, Million Manhoef had stretched the lead to three.

As Struber and his players emerged for the second half, it was clear a fast start would be needed after the break to keep any slim comeback hopes alive. That remaining hope vanished just two minutes later when Junior Tchama-deu slammed in Stoke’s fourth.

Soon after, Mubama ensured he would be taking the match ball home when he smashed home his third of the afternoon, before Mark Sykes gave the travelling fans something to cheer about when he looped a header into the back of the net.