Bristol Live’s Bristol City player ratings as Gerhard Struber’s Robins get off to perfect start with 4-1 win over Sheffield United

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 scored twice in Bristol City’s win over Sheffield United(Image: Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)Radek Vitek – 9

The Manchester United loanee has been brought to Bristol City to offer a reliable pair of hands in the absence of Max O’Leary, and he delivered on that promise on his debut. The two saves he produced to deny Gustavo Hamer and Louie Barry in the first half were smart, and he was arguably even better after the break. Vitek also displayed a willingness to come and collect when under crosses throughout. A really strong debut

READ MORE: Sheffield United vs Bristol City live: Gerhard Struber names strong team for Bramall Lane openerREAD MORE: ‘I love winning’ – Sophie Ingle’s first words as Bristol City confirm return of Wales midfielderRob Atkinson – 8

On his first competitive Bristol City start in more than 900 days, Rob Atkinson put in the sort of defensive performance fans regularly saw from him a little over two years ago. Every time the ball was in the air, the 27-year-old’s head appeared to end up on it, and he helped Yu Hirakawa with his defensive duties throughout. Had a couple of good moments on the ball late on for good measure as well.

Zak Vyner – 7.5

A mature centre-back’s showing against a side most expect to be challenging for automatic promotion. There weren’t any real fireworks in Zak Vyner’s display, but he did what was needed of him throughout and will be happy with that start to the campaign.

George Tanner – 7.5

What else would you expect from George Tanner? The versatile defender got stuck in from minute one and produced a couple of brilliant tackles and interventions to keep a very talented Sheffield United attack at bay. In that right-sided centre-back role, he is a really solid option.

Yu Hirakawa (off for Mark Sykes, 75′) – 7

Yu Hirakawa is not naturally a wing-back, which was evident at times out of possession, but he gave his all both with and without the ball on Saturday evening. Yes, there were times he was too easily beaten, and once or twice he was caught out of possession, but he didn’t stop battling away and even got into some good areas going forward.

Adam Randell – 7

Probably the quietest of the debutants, but through no fault of his own, Adam Randell did what was required of him throughout the contest. The former Plymouth Argyle man kept things simple in possession and worked hard when United had the ball. A very industrious midfield showing.

Jason Knight – 7.5

It perhaps speaks to just how good City’s performance was from front to back this afternoon that skipper Jason Knight didn’t stand out quite as obviously as he did so often last term, until that incredible block in the closing exchanges. As fans have come to expect, the Ireland international didn’t stop running throughout as he picked up a fair few loose balls. Struber’s side played so quickly through the thirds that he didn’t have too much to do in possession.

Ross McCrorie – 9

It is safe to say Ross McCrorie has picked up where he left off last season. His strike for City’s second on Saturday was the sort of goal you’d expect from a centre-forward rather than a right-back, as he smashed past Michael Cooper and into the bottom corner. Out of possession, he was just as involved and got the crowd out of their seats with two excellent sliding tackles late in the first half. A great interception and pick-out for Twine’s second of the evening as well.

Anis Mehmeti – 8

Of Bristol City’s front three, it would have probably been fair to say Anis Mehmeti had the quietest first half, but it didn’t take him long to rectify that in the second. Of course, Cooper would have hoped to have kept the Albanian’s strike out, having got a touch on it, but the winger took the chance brilliantly. Continued to offer a constant threat until the full-time whistle. A promising first showing under Struber.

Scott Twine – 9

He couldn’t have dreamt of a better start to his season. Every Bristol City supporter knows what Scott Twine is capable of when standing over a free-kick, but his opener at Bramall Lane was one of his best as he left Michael Cooper with no chance of stopping it. His role in Ross McCrorie’s goal cannot be undervalued either, as he superbly delayed just long enough to allow the Scotsman to smash across goal and into the bottom corner. His second goal was slightly fortunate, but they all count.

Bristol City Live on Whatsapp

Join Bristol City Live’s Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone

Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.

Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone.

To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team.

We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.

To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to join our WhatsApp community.

Emil Riis – 8

While he didn’t see an awful lot of the ball due to Sheffield United’s dominance of possession, Emil Riis was incredibly effective, both on and off the ball. The Dane pressed well throughout and showed his quality in the build-up to McCrorie’s strike. His run and pass to Twine was inch-perfect, and the movement and delivery for Mehmeti’s goal was arguably even better. Should have a goal himself, but he showed that he’ll be a real asset to this team, as long as the Robins can keep him fit.

Substitutes:Sam Bell – 6

Was a livewire throughout his cameo.

Mark Sykes – 6

Got stuck in having come on at left wing-back.

Sinclair Armstrong – N/AREAD MORE: Tom Rawcliffe sheds light on Bristol City hierarchy’s responsibilities after appointment as CEOREAD MORE: New mural honouring Bristol City legends outside Ashton Gate unveiled with icons in attendance