CITY made a perfect start to their league campaign with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Barnsley at Ashton Gate - a result that sees the club top The Championship for a week at least!

Head coach Lee Johnson has often spoken about how he wants his team to play a high tempo pressing game however we saw little evidence of this style of play last season.

But on Saturday City started very brightly and pushed Barnsley back into their own half early on.

A defensive mix-up led to Bobby Reid opening the scoring for City on 16 minutes.

New signing Diedhiou’s shot was blocked by the visiting goalkeeper only to rebound to Reid who guided the ball home into an empty net from 12 yards.

City didn’t relent in their attacking play and some of the football on display was a joy to watch as we ran the Tykes ragged. On 25 minutes it was Diedhiou’s turn to get amongst the goals as he headed in a lovely left footed cross from Reid.

Then, on the half hour mark the game was all but over as a contest. Joe Bryan darted dangerously into the opposition penalty area and his low left footed strike was palmed straight into the path of the onrushing Reid who bundled the ball home from a few yards.

It was an excellent first half display in which we didn’t let Barnsley settle for a minute.

City took their foot off the peddle in the second half knowing the job was done. The away side did get a late consolation just before the final whistle but it didn’t dampen what was a very good way to start the season.

City started Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game against Plymouth Argyle in a similar vein to Saturday. We were 4-0 up at half-time against the League One side, with debutant Freddie Hinds scoring the pick of the goals. The game finished 5-0 to City.

On Saturday City travel to Birmingham City to face Harry Redknapp’s team (3pm) before visiting Griffin Park next Tuesday to play Brentford (7.45pm).