Bristol City Defender George Tanner Seeks Home Victory Against Wolves

Bristol City defender George Tanner is preparing to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, seeking to correct the club's poor home record following a dramatic 2-1 victory at Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old played a key role in that win, which ended a winless run and featured two stoppage-time goals by Sam Bell and Scott Twine.

Tanner described the emotional high of the match, noting that the away end was buzzing for days after the late surge. He credited the squad's resilience and highlighted that his family and friends were present in the stadium, adding to the significance of the result for the player from the North of England.

The win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium was the second consecutive match for City in a back-three formation. Tanner, alongside Lisav Eissat and Luke McNally, operated as the wide right-back in that system. He stated that he feels comfortable in both the traditional right-back role and the wider position in a three-man defense, citing his experience under previous managers as the reason for his adaptability.

Since joining from Carlisle United in the summer of 2021, Tanner has made 173 appearances for the Robins. He is now one of the most experienced players in a squad that has seen several new arrivals this summer. Only four of the 11 players signed in the recent transfer window have more than a year of Championship experience, a dynamic Tanner says shapes his role in the dressing room.

Tanner believes it is his responsibility to mentor younger teammates, particularly regarding the physical and psychological demands of the second tier. He pointed to new signing Rio Cardines, a 20-year-old on loan from Crystal Palace, who has already recorded six assists. Tanner noted that he hopes to assist the young midfielder with defensive duties while Cardines contributes to chance creation.

The club faces a challenging schedule, with Wolves coming to Ashton Gate on Wednesday. The visitors are currently seventh in the Championship and were in the Premier League last season. City has won only two of their seven home matches this term, a statistic Tanner admits needs improvement.

Tanner said the team is building momentum after a draw at Stoke City and the win at Bolton. He expressed confidence that focusing on performance will yield results, noting that a victory on Wednesday would silence much of the criticism regarding home form. The match is viewed as a test because Wolves are expected to play on the front foot, unlike some recent opponents who have defended deeply.

The defender emphasized that every Championship game presents a unique challenge. He expects the match to look different from recent home fixtures due to Wolves' quality and playing style. The team aims to use this opportunity to extend their winning streak before the next break.