Blackburn Rovers gave their relegation rivals the tonic they wanted after their complete no-show at Bristol City.

It was an alarming display at Ashton Gate and a complete departure from the performance levels that had injected some optimism that Rovers could avoid a nail-biting finish.

Instead, Rovers’ gap has been cut from five to three points in the last two matchdays, stoking anxiety ahead of a very tough end to the season.

From minute one, Bristol City played with far more purpose and intensity. The warning signs were early and Rovers didn’t show the appetite to match their opponents.

READ MORE: Rovers inquest dismissed as Eustace sends 'character' message

Make no mistake, this is not a ‘bad’ group of players. There is no suggestion of downing tools but they were outfought and outplayed against a side that had nothing to play for.

Rovers have their Championship status on the line but there was only one side playing as though there was jeopardy at play. Worryingly, it wasn’t the team three points above the relegation zone.

John Eustace was right to suggest the timing of the goals and the manner played a large part in the defeat. But individual errors were not ‘the only reason’ Bristol City ran riot.

It goes without saying that Dom Hyam had a terrible night, at fault for all of the first three goals. The first mistake followed an earlier miscued clearance which had looped horribly in the air. He never recovered from that point.

Callum Brittain certainly didn’t help Hyam’s cause for the second goal but the challenge was uncharacteristically rash and mistimed. The truth is the Rovers captain has struggled to reach the high standards which saw him an obvious winner of last season’s Player of the Year award.

Perhaps the ankle injury that ruled him out on two separate occasions in 2023 has not healed. Either way, he has not looked entirely comfortable since returning to the team, compared to the very high standards he set in his debut season.

Eustace may have a decision to make at Elland Road but I’d be surprised if he dropped his captain, even with Hayden Carter waiting in the wings. Kyle McFadzean looked rusty after coming on and Scott Wharton went off with a back injury so Eustace may need Hyam, regardless of this display.

The head coach’s tactical changes had merit, attempting to match Bristol City up. Their 3-4-3 had seen the Robins dominate in midfield with their two number 10s creating a box midfield and outnumbers Rovers four to two in those central areas.

But considering the game state, taking off two attackers and adding a defender did little to add any attacking impetus. Bristol City sat back for 20 minutes in the second half and absorbed the light pressure that Rovers applied.

Although Rovers smashed in five goals at Sunderland, they have failed to score four of their last five matches. There was a lack of clear-cut opportunities at Ashton Gate with Sam Szmodics’ chance at 2-0 they best they mustered.

Whilst the changes made them more solid initially, they struggled to create. Bristol City had them at arm’s length and were never under any real threat. The third goal sparked another collapse with two more following before the final whistle.

Eustace insists that this result will not damage confidence nor prove fatal in the battle for survival. But the head coach can’t ignore that this was one of their winnable fixtures and they produced their worst display in his tenure.

Rovers don’t have time for an inquest or soul searching. In 48 hours, they’ll face a raucous atmosphere at Elland Road and they have to produce a reaction.

 If they lose, it will be another boost for Sheffield Wednesday, who host Stoke City at 3pm. There is wind in their sails after four points in the last week and there is every chance the two teams could be level on points before they meet at Ewood Park a week on Sunday.

A positive result at Bristol City would’ve ensured Rovers did not need to win that game. But they’re going to need at least one victory from their final four against tough opposition. Wednesday might be 22nd but, at the time of writing, only seven teams have collected more points since December. They’re essentially a top-ten team over the last 25 games.

Coventry City still have designs on the Championship top-six and nobody needs the difficulty of Leeds and Leicester City explaining.

Quite simply, Rovers can’t afford for this negativity to bleed into the weekend. They need an instant reaction and a return to their previous performance levels.

In fairness, Bristol City was the exception rather than the rule over the last month. They competed well against Southampton and Ipswich Town, albeit at home rather than away.

They must do the same again after giving their opponents a big shot in the arm. Time is running out and Rovers can’t afford another wobble of this nature.