Bristol Live’s Bristol City player ratings as Gerhard Struber’s Robins come from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at Ashton Gate

Dan Carter is the Bristol City reporter at Bristol Live. He joined the title in November 2024 having previously been a football reporter at Breaking Media. Before that, he was a sports journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire where he also covered the Robins whilst on placement. In his role, he wants to keep supporters informed with the latest news in and around Ashton Gate whether that be on matchdays, during transfer windows or everything in between.

Scott Twine celebrates after scoring for Bristol City in their win over Southampton(Image: Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)Radek Vitek – 7

The Bristol City goalkeeper could do very little to keep Adam Armstrong’s opener out as the Southampton forward lifted his chipped effort past Radek Vitek and into the bottom corner, but his stop to deny Cameron Archer from exactly the same position was excellent. Continued to do well in the second half as he pulled off a couple of smart saves to ensure the Robins saw things out comfortably in the end.

READ MORE: Bristol City vs Southampton live: Gerhard Struber hands Mark Sykes start after Carrow Road goalREAD MORE: Gerhard Struber issues Harry Cornick update after Bristol City forward absent from Norwich winGeorge Tanner – 7

You could almost copy and paste the paragraph I wrote about George Tanner after Bristol City’s win over Norwich City into this section. Barring one or two iffy clearances, the 25-year-old did everything the Robins needed him to on the right side of the backline. While it wasn’t flashy in possession, he marshalled Welington, Cameron Archer, and Adam Armstrong well throughout as he continued to grow into this starting role.

Rob Dickie – 8

Although he was aided by a rather major deflection, it was the Bristol City captain for the night’s pass that played Anis Mehmeti behind the Southampton backline for the Robins’ leveller. As has been the case since last month’s trip to Deepdale, Rob Dickie was Mr Reliable in the heart of City’s backline as he appeared to come out on top of every duel he entered and took risks in possession. Another really solid showing after putting pen to paper on that new deal.

Rob Atkinson (off for Haydon Roberts, 90’) – 6.5

While Shea Charles’ ball for Adam Armstrong’s opener was superb, Rob Atkinson will likely feel that he got caught slightly in no man’s land as he stepped out slightly too soon and allowed the forward plenty of time and space to finish. Other than that, however, the defender was as reliable as ever as he battled well on the ground and in the air. Didn’t put a foot wrong, outside of that one slight mistake.

Mark Sykes (off for Ross McCrorie, 72’) – 6.5

Restored to the starting line-up in place of Ross McCrorie, Mark Sykes had his work cut out for him as Bristol City’s right wing-back, both in and out of possession. Found himself in some decent attacking positions and came close with a right-footed shot in the first half. Continued to ask plenty of questions after the break before making way in the second half.

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Adam Randell – 7

What more do you expect from Bristol City’s last midfielder standing? Once again, Adam Randell charged about the pitch to break up play, press Southampton’s midfield, and pounce on loose passes. Gerhard Struber mentioned that he can often be a player that slips under the radar, and while that was the case on a day City’s attackers stood out, he was as integral as ever in the middle of the park.

Zak Vyner – 7.5

On the night he became Bristol City’s record Championship appearance maker – overtaking Marvin Elliott – Zak Vyner was once again stationed in the Reds’ midfield and went about his business well. While he isn’t a natural in that more advanced role, he does more than enough to keep the Robins going on and off the ball. It was a special night for him, and it was great to see him have a special moment with Section 82 after the final whistle.

Neto Borges – 7.5

Like Rob Atkinson, it did appear as though Neto Borges was caught slightly on his heels for Southampton’s opener. However, also like the defender, that was about the only thing the Brazilian did wrong over the course of the 90 minutes. Borges’ display on Tuesday was much more about his defensive qualities than his work in possession, and he did well to marshall the Saints’ tricky winger while still popping up in some decent positions himself. He looks a real player and long may that continue.

Scott Twine (off for Leo Pecover, 72’) – 8.5

Bristol City’s number 10 was heavily involved in the first half on Tuesday evening, but it was after the break that he came alive. His first goal of the evening was cheeky as he lifted over Alex McCarthy from close range after Zak Vyner struck the post, but his second was audacious. Having picked up a loose ball, he broke the length of the half and lifted over the Saints’ stopper once again to double City’s advantage. Both goals were so, so well taken on a night Scott Twine reminded Ashton Gate just how good he can be.

Anis Mehmeti (off for Yu Hirakawa, 90’) – 8

You can’t say the Bristol City winger’s goal hasn’t been coming. Unlike those chances at Deepdale last month, Anis Mehmeti took his opportunity brilliantly in the first half on Tuesday evening as he calmly drove his low, right-footed effort past Alex McCarthy and into the bottom left corner. He came close to a second when he rifled two attempts just off target in the second half, but carried a constant threat throughout as he so often has done this term.

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Emil Riis (off for Sinclair Armstrong, 53’) – 6

Although he didn’t get any real chances of his own, Emil Riis worked hard throughout the first half to harry the Saints’ backline and make the most of the limited possession Bristol City had. Linked up play where he could, to bring others into the game, before making way for Sinclair Armstrong early in the second half. Didn’t do anything wrong and was likely withdrawn to manage his minutes in the middle of a busy week.

SubstitutesSinclair Armstrong – 7.5

Another really good substitute showing. Sinclair Armstrong has returned from the October international break with a spring in his step. Couldn’t have come much closer to that first goal of the season. If he plays like that, it won’t be long.

Leo Pecover – 6

Great to see the young prospect make his debut

Ross McCrorie – 6.5

Did exactly what Bristol City needed him to do to see out the game.

Haydon Roberts – N/AYu Hirakawa – N/AREAD MORE: Former Bristol City midfielder announces retirement at 28 after extended injury absenceREAD MORE: Tens of thousands raised for ex-Bristol City player Marvin Brown after terminal cancer diagnosis