Bristol Live’s Bristol City player ratings after the Robins climbed back into the play-off places with a Boxing Day win against West Brom
Bristol City players celebrate after Anis Mehmeti scores against West Brom(Image: EFL)Max O’Leary – 7
Although he kept a clean sheet against Middlesbrough, Max O’Leary wasn’t quite at his best on his return to the Bristol City starting line-up last weekend. Against West Brom, however, the Reds’ number one was superb, particularly in the first half, where he pulled off two excellent saves to deny both Isaac Price and Ousmane Diakite from close range. He continued to impress after the break and seemed to be able to do little about the Baggies’ late goal. A really good showing between the sticks.
READ MORE: West Brom vs Bristol City live: One change for Reds on Boxing Day as Struber hands Borges startREAD MORE: Bernd Eibler on Gerhard Struber, career so far and why Bristol City move was an ‘easy decision’Zak Vyner – 6.5
Having been caught out early on in the lead-up to Isaac Price’s chance – which Max O’Leary saved from well – Zak Vyner had a solid first half. As is often the case, the Robins looked to build from his side of defence and, for the most part, his passing was effective. One of many to slip slightly below the early standard after the restart, but wouldn’t have been unworthy of a clean sheet. He will be very thankful for the crossbar, seeing as it was his sliced clearance that gave Karlan Grant the chance to find a late leveller.
Rob Dickie – 7
Bristol City’s vice-captain has probably become the most consistent defender in Gerhard Struber’s ranks. Although he didn’t do anything that raised eyebrows against West Brom, he went about his business solidly, repeatedly beating his man to loose passes and stepping in to win possession wherever possible. Although his pace occasionally meant he ended up in difficult positions, he had the ability to maneuver himself well to ensure the Baggies weren’t able to exploit the areas they found themselves in.
Cam Pring – 7
Restored to a slightly deeper role as Bristol City’s left-sided centre-back, Cam Pring was once again solid as part of the Robins’ back three. The 27-year-old defended his penalty area smartly, and his presence gave City a much greater balance in possession. When he was moved into a wing-back role in the second half, he didn’t seem quite as settled, perhaps given the sheer amount of work he’s got through over the course of the last few weeks. It was great to see him play a full 90 minutes and leave the field unscathed.
Ross McCrorie (off for George Tanner, 76’) – 7.5
Back to his best in the run-up to the festive period and back amongst the goals on Boxing Day, Ross McCrorie’s strike to double Bristol City’s lead midway through the first half was superb. That was the sort of finish fans had begun to expect at the back end of last season, but the Scotsman’s work at the other end was just as important. His header to clear behind when Mikey Johnston looked to have curled a cross onto the head of Karlan Grant was excellent moments before the break. He continued to provide an outlet in the second half and remained solid defensively before making way for George Tanner.
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Adam Randell – 7
What else have we come to expect from Adam Randell in Bristol City colours? The midfielder once again went about his business really well as he kept the Robins ticking in possession and linked well between the back and front three. No player won more duels over the course of the contest, such was the manner in which he broke up play. He may have only been a City player for a matter of months, but he feels like a veteran at the heart of the side, and it is hard to imagine a Gerhard Struber team without him in it.
Jason Knight – 7
You could almost copy and paste what I’ve written about Adam Randell into this section. Jason Knight similarly just kept the Robins going at The Hawthorns, and while he didn’t do anything too flash, he did the simple stuff incredibly well. The captain is usually at his best when you don’t even realise quite how important he has been to the Reds, and that certainly felt like the case on Boxing Day.
Jason Knight of Bristol City celebrates.(Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)Neto Borges (off for Rob Atkinson, 64’) – 7
Restored to the starting line-up after being forced to sit out last weekend’s win over his parent club, Middlesbrough, Neto Borges was once again impressive at left wing-back. The Brazilian seems to work well with Cam Pring and picked up the assist for Anis Mehmeti’s opener – not that he could take much credit for the goal. He should have done better with the chance that fell his way in the second half, but that was the only real negative on an otherwise good day.
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Scott Twine (off for Haydon Roberts, 90+3) – 7.5
While Ross McCrorie’s finish will steal most of the headlines, and fairly so, Scott Twine’s role in Bristol City’s second was just as important. The attacking midfielder did brilliantly to control on the edge of the area and hold off his marker before slotting into the path of the Scotsman. It was a simple assist, but an excellent pass. Like most in red and white, the number 10 was quieter after the restart, but still showcased a couple of really clever touches whilst going about his defensive work well.
Anis Mehmeti (off for Sinclair Armstrong, 64’) – 7.5
Was Bristol City’s top scorer perhaps fortunate to see his opener stand and not be shown more than a yellow card? Maybe, but neither he nor the travelling fans will have cared too much. Although he may have had some help from Emil Riis, Anis Mehmeti’s low right-footed shot was perfectly placed in the bottom corner and kick-started what was a good first half for Gerhard Struber’s side. The winger remained dangerous for the remainder of the opening period and should have perhaps had an assist when he picked out Neto Borges in the second half, before making way, having been booked.
(Image: James Marsh/Shutterstock)Emil Riis (off for Yu Hirakawa, 76’) – 6.5
Although he didn’t come away with a goal or an assist, Emil Riis led the line well for Bristol City against West Brom, particularly when considering the fact that he was up front on his own for much of the contest. The Dane’s play with his back to goal was reasonable, and it is hard to say that Anis Mehmeti’s shot would have still gone in without his involvement – even if he may have been offside. Maybe not his best showing in a City shirt, but not through any fault of his own.
Substitutes:Rob Atkinson – 6
For much of his cameo, Rob Atkinson was solid and tidy in possession, but it was his sliced clearance that gave away the corner, which led to West Brom’s late goal. Fortunately, it didn’t matter too much come the full-time whistle, but he wasn’t to know that at the time.
Sinclair Armstrong – 6
The Bristol City forward didn’t have too much of an involvement off the bench, but that was more because the Reds struggled to hold onto the ball when they won it back.
Yu Hirakawa – 6
The Japanese winger had a couple of nice touches, but didn’t have too much of an impact.
George Tanner – 6
It seemed like George Tanner was the marker to lose his man for Ousame Diakite’s goal, but other than that, he had a quiet cameo. It was good to see him back in the squad.
Haydon Roberts – N/AREAD MORE: Cam Pring: ‘I want to be in the team when Bristol City make history, hopefully we get there’READ MORE: Bristol City in advanced talks with Sam Morsy as Robins look to agree deal for January window