It has been a hugely impressive start to the season for Bristol City, who look to be real Championship promotion contenders under Lee Johnson this term.

The Robins narrowly missed out on a play-off spot last season after losing out to eventual finalists Derby County, but they have bounced back in magnificent fashion this time around.

Johnson's men have won four of their opening seven games in the league, and are yet to suffer defeat in the Championship since their opening day loss to table-toppers Leeds United at Ashton Gate.

The only area of the pitch you feel that the Robins need to improve in is their defence, having conceded 12 goals in all competitions already this term.

Nevertheless, a glowing attacking line has made sure that their lacklustre defending hasn't been too big of an issue, with Andi Weimann, Famara Diedhiou and Benik Afobe all playing their part up top.

One player who has been absent from the Robins' starting line-up this season due to the quality they have in their ranks is Sammie Szmodics, who has been disappointing since his summer arrival at Ashton Gate.

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The 23-year-old arrived at Bristol City from Colchester United in the summer, after scoring 15 goals from attacking midfield in all competitions last season, and establishing himself as one of the best players in League Two for the Essex club.

Derby County were believed to be interested in Szmodics' signature, but it was the Robins who won the race for the exciting player, with expectations high following his arrival.

But Szmodics has since endured a frustrating start to the season, making just one appearance for Johnson's side, which came in the Carabao Cup in a 3-3 draw with Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

He has been named on the bench for every single Championship game so far, but Johnson has overlooked him, and opted to bring on other players instead.

Szmodics is likely to be bitterly disappointed after his start to the season, after failing to play a single minute in the second tier thus far, and he has been a frustrating addition to say the least.

After an outstanding season in League Two last term, plenty expected big things from the midfielder this time around, but he has failed to deliver so far and failed to push Kasey Palmer all the way for a start in the number 10 position.

Whether he is failing to impress in training is a mystery, but Szmodics will certainly be hoping for a better second month of the campaign than the first.

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