Brick wall, Belgian brilliance, and superb set pieces - verdict from City's win

The Robins struck early in both halves, with the Eagles unable to display the same clinical edge.

As any sports fan will know, the full time score never tells the full story.

With that in mind, here are five things we learned from today’s match

1. Bristol City’s ‘Brick Wall’

While the home side created plenty, they were consistently frustrated and thwarted by the Bristol defense.

Palace’s midfield maestro Adam Wharton found it incredibly difficult to find his attackers going forward, a testament to the Bristol backline’s discipline and effective marking.

With Palace already averaging two-and-a-half goals per game at home so far this campaign, the Robins can feel very proud to have kept the UEFA Conference League champions quiet.

2. Superb Set Pieces

Bristol City found both of their goals through freekicks, with one coming off a headed cross nodded in by Luke McNally, and the other coming directly from a brilliant deadball strike from Sam Twine

For Palace, this continues a worrying trend of being particularly vulnerable from set pieces.

For the Robins it reveals another offensive strength. Set piece proficiency can be so crucial in today’s game, as shown by reigning Premier League champions Arsenal last campaign.

3. Belgian Brilliance

Not only did Brian de Keersmaecker, on his first appareance after his deadline day move from Oxford United, provide the assist for Luke McNally’s opener, he looked an absolute commander and impressive passer throughout at the base of Bristol’s midfield.

The Belgian’s performance today may force manager Michael Skubala to reconsider his preferred starting midfield going forward.

4. Bristol's Blitz

With City finishing on only 36% possession, they needed to be efficient when the ball did come their way - and that they were.

The Robins showed their pressing and counter-attacking prowess, winning the ball in midfield several times, and effectively creating overloads going forward.

With Bristol City being without the ball slightly more often than not this season, a strong counter will do them very well.

5. Friendlies are great for families

On a non-sporting note, today’s match was an excellent family day out.

The usual demographics of a football ground were forgotten, as large family groups filled the stands, creating a feel good atmosphere, entirely lacking the usual ‘rougher’ vibe that Selhurst can give off.

From the press box perch, young children in the Palace-occupied Main Stand could be heard starting chants, singing songs, and altogether getting behind their team, even while trailing for most of the match.

If three-week international breaks are to become standard going forward, it would seem that matches like this one are a great way to get younger fans involved with the game.

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