Levi Sutton praised the Bantams’ sharpness as City bounced back to winning ways at the University of Bradford Stadium by beating Harrogate Town 1-0.
Tyreik Wright’s finish inside the opening minute put City in the driving seat, and Sutton stressed the importance of a strong start and how “coming out of the blocks fast” enabled the Bantams to dictate the game.
The midfielder was pleased with how City disrupted the Sulphurites' game plan, and how the tactical and personnel changes, which saw the he and Vadaine Oliver reintroduced to the 11, allowed the Bantams to play with authority and confidence.
Sutton said: “It was a really good team performance from the first minute. We worked our socks off.
“We started bright with getting the first goal, and we know how important it is in this league to get that first goal. We also showed how strong we can be in how we hung on for it too.
“In this league, you need to start strong and come out of the blocks fast. It shocked them in what they were trying to do.
“You reap the rewards when you start strongly. It was massive for us.
“Changing to the diamond meant we had more legs in midfield and I think that also caught them off guard.
“The change in personnel surprised them a bit and we should take credit for how we adapted.
“We need to have a lot of options if we want to be competing at the top. If you stay with the same system all season, then other teams will work it out.
“To be able to switch it up shows how strong we can be, and hopefully we can take this momentum into the next game.”
Sutton had only started once prior in the league this season, but after being praised publicly for his hard work in training by Mark Hughes, he was given the nod on Thursday night.
The 26-year-old confessed it was reassuring to be included in the side and admitted “it was all about waiting for the right opportunity”.
He also hopes the Bantams' energy levels can act as a template for how City conduct themselves at the University of Bradford Stadium, and insists it is “the bare minimum” to work hard for this team.
City’s return to winning ways rounded off 2022 on a positive note and, with two home games on the horizon, starting with 8th-placed Salford City on New Year's Day, Sutton believes it is the perfect time to continue climbing up the division.
“I know what I can bring to this team, and it was all about waiting for the right opportunity,” Sutton added.
“It can be tough at times, when you are out of the squad. You can train the whole week to be a part of something and it not mean anything.
“You have just got to keep working hard and hopefully those efforts will be rewarded.
“If you watch the Premier League now, home teams play with such high energy. There is not many players at the top level now that can get away with just being a good player.
“You have to work hard as a team, and at this club, that is the bare minimum.
“The energy was immense and it was important to return to winning ways here.
“It feels like an age since we last won, so I am delighted to be part of that.
“We are looking for the same again on Sunday. We just need to take this momentum and build on that.
“Hopefully, we can put a run together and climb further up this league.”
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