City boss Johnson defends starting with just one striker

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has defended his decision to start with just one orthodox striker at Ashton Gate.

Some supporters expressed surprise when the Londoner deployed veteran targetman Dele Adebola as a lone forward in front of a five-man midfield in Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship clash with Nottingham Forest at Ashton Gate.

It is a system which has served City extremely well in away games, notably in victory at Southampton seven days earlier.

With David Noble back in the side and playing just behind Adebola, City proved noticeably more creative in the final third and could have won by a wider margin at St Mary's.

But some fans argue the manager should adopt a more orthodox shape and field two strikers in games at Ashton Gate.

Questioned about his tactics in the wake of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Forest, Johnson issued an emphatic defence of his team selection and deployment.

"You have to have belief in your players and the way you're trying to play and I believe this is the best way for us," declared the boss.

"It's easy for Championship managers sat at home to pick the team, but they should trust me, see where we are at the end of the season and then judge us."

City carved out several goal-scoring opportunities even before Johnson opted to introduce Stern John and Nicky Maynard from the substitutes' bench and go with three up front for the final 20 minutes.

He said: "Of course it (one striker) can work for us. Don't tell me we didn't create chances in the first half against Forest.

"We had runners and people getting into the penalty area, Michael McIndoe had a very good chance early on and Marvin Elliott scored a brilliant goal.

"I think there's too much talk of systems and formations. It's not like Subbuteo, where things can be static – the only time you will see us lining up in a four-four-two is when the whistle goes at the start of the game.

"It's a fluid system with people taking up different positions and inter-changing all the time. On occasions, we actually have five up front when it comes off. I don't see how that can be negative."

When Johnson last deployed two recognised forwards in a Championship fixture at Ashton Gate, City were overrun in midfield by a Reading side which triumphed 4-1.

Johnson explained: "You have to be solid and it's important you keep things tight in the Championship.

"There are some very good teams in this league and they can hurt you if you allow them space and time. You have to be solid and then play your own game when you have the ball."

He added: "As a manager, you always pick the team you think will win the game and different tactics are required against different teams.

"Whatever people might say, the aim is always to take the three points."