Bristol City bowed out of the Carabao Cup at the second round stage despite a spirited performance away at Premier League side Fulham
Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter
21:43, 27 Aug 2025
Dan Hargraves is the Bristol Rovers reporter for Bristol Live. He joined the title in July 2023 having previously worked for Reach PLC as a freelance football writer in April 2022 while a journalism student at the University of Derby.
He has also reported on a number of football matches across European competition, the Premier League and EFL and covered the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. In his role as covering the Gas, he wants to leave no stone unturned and cover every angle of the football club for Gasheads’ enjoyment.
Bristol City defender George Tanner scores an own goal against Fulham(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Bristol City were left frustrated after a poor start against Premier League side Fulham which saw them lose 2-0 at Craven Cottage and exit the Carabao Cup at the second round stage.
Fulham didn’t even really need two chances to gain a commanding lead. An own goal from George Tanner put them ahead after a dangerous cross from Adama Traore, intended for Raul Jimenez, before the Mexican turned and finished clinically from a Harrison Reed corner.
The goals sandwiched a Sinclair Armstrong shot which went way off target. A nice pass from Sam Bell released the striker into space, but he couldn’t find the target.
City controlled the remainder of the half but struggled to offer any real goalscoring threat with Anis Mehmeti putting the ball into the back of the net after an offside flag was raised.
Joe Lumley had to be alert within the opening minute of the second half to palm away an effort from Adam Traore but Fulham rarely threatened again.
The Robins dominated the majority of proceedings after the break but struggled to find that final bit of quality to really test the Cottagers’ backline and ultimately fell to defeat.
Here’s how we rated the players on a frustrating night in West London…
READ MORE: Fulham 2-0 Bristol City live: Robins trail as hosts flex Premier League muscles in cup tieJoe Lumley – 6
Couldn’t have done anything about the goals and made a good save against Adama Traore early in the second half. Other than that, a pretty quiet night for the goalkeeper which says a lot about the game.
George Tanner – 5
Grew into the game after a ropey start. The defender scored an own goal and looked shaky in defence but was far more solid after Fulham’s second.
Zak Vyner – 7
Really good after the Fulham goals. Very rarely had a man in a white shirt get past him and put in a couple of important blocks, clearances and interceptions.
Rob Dickie – 6.5
Also came up with some important defensive moments. Home fans in the Hammersmith End were all too familiar with the City defender and his past at West London rivals QPR.
Ross McCrorie (off for Mark Sykes 46′) – 6
Involved offensively a couple of times for City, getting his head to a few crosses. Looked pretty composed down his side and won most of his duels.
Jason Knight – 6
Composed in the middle of the park and kept things ticking nicely for City as they sought a way back into the game.
Max Bird (off for Adam Randell 60′) – 6.5
Up for debate as to whether he was the best, but was certainly a star performer for the Robins up until the point when he went off. Looked comfortable in possession and plucked out some outrageous passes. One or two disappointing corners but he has given Gerhard Struber something to think about.
Yu Hirakawa (off for Haydon Roberts 75′) – 5
A pretty quiet night for the wing-back. Didn’t really have much of an impact at either end.
Josh Stokes (off for Anis Mehmeti 14′) – N/A
Forced off injured after less than 15 minutes. A real blow for the young midfielder who had a good chance to impress on his first start of the season.
Sam Bell (off for Fally Mayulu 60′) – 5
Never really got into the game. Had a bit of a half chance early in the second half but the forward had so much to do to pluck out the pass from Bird out of the air with a defender closing in at the same time.
Sinclair Armstrong – 6
Much better in the second half after a pretty underwhelming first half display. Worked hard for the cause and won a couple of fouls. His only real chance came at 1-0 where he flashed a shot well off target. Just needed more composure.
Substitutes:Anis Mehmeti (on 14′) – 7
Always looked the most likely to carve out a bit of quality for City. Unlucky to see a shot that looked to be on target blocked.
Mark Sykes (on 46′) – 6.5
Put in some delightful crosses and, on another day, might have had an assist or two.
Adam Randell (on 60′) – 6
Tidy in the middle. Offered some fresh legs for the Robins.
Fally Mayulu (on 60′) – 6
Encouraging half hour from the striker. Still not quite at the level to be starting matches but had a few sniffs and worked hard off the ball. Came the closest of any City player to scoring, whacking the post in added time.
Haydon Roberts (on 75′) – N/A
Didn’t really do much of note after coming on.
READ MORE: Bristol City monitoring international defender’s situation ahead of summer transfer deadline