Bristol City player ratings vs Blackburn Rovers: 'Powerhouse' scores 8/10 but trio 'frustrated' in defeat

Bristol City boss Liam ManningBristol City boss Liam Manning
Bristol City boss Liam Manning | Getty Images
Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Bristol City

Bristol City's winless run stretched to four matches as they were narrowly defeated 2-1 against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

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Arnor Sigurdsson's neat finish gave Jon Dahl Tomasson's side a narrow lead at the break, before Scott Wharton added a second after half time.

Mark Sykes struck back for the Robins after some loose play by the hosts, but Liam Manning's side couldn't force a late equaliser.

The result sees the Robins remain in 14th place in the EFL Championship.

Here's how the City players fared...

Player ratings:

Max O'Leary - 6

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Didn't have to make many saves and had little chance with either Blackburn goal. His kicking was questionable at times when often going long which Tommy Conway wouldn't have appreciated.

George Tanner - 6

Looked to get forward and provide but lacked end product when in the final third and was fortunate that Niall Ennis wasted a chance to double the lead when he drifted in behind late in the first half. Improved in the second period and had a solid end to the match.

Zak Vyner - 7

Was aggressive and made a good block from Sammie Szmodics early on. Was caught flat footed for the first goal after the ball flicked into path of Sigurdsson but recovered well and was assured for the remainder of the match.

Rob Dickie - 8

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Gave another solid account of himself, was aggressive in tackle and didn't show Ennis too much respect by not allowing him space to turn. Had a few tough moments up against some nimble attackers but showed his ability on the ball throughout the match and travelled forward very effectively. Was a powerhouse on the night.

Cam Pring - 7

Was very assured defensively and played some good passes forward, would've liked to have done more damage further up the pitch but have a strong account of himself.

Matty James - 6

Couldn't control proceedings from the middle of the park and struggled to keep tabs on Szmodics at times in the first period. In the second half, he had more of a foothold on the ball and dictated the play.

Joe Williams - 6

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Worked hard in the midfield but didn't have that bit of quality on the ball that was required to break Rovers down and couldn't deal with the opposing midfield.

Jason Knight - 7

Played some smart passes into the wide players and dispossessed the Blackburn midfield on several occasions. Showed impressive composure to put the ball on a plate for Sykes to fire home and forced Leopold Wahlstedt into a string of saves in City's search for a second goal.

Mark Sykes - 7

Took his goal calmly and always proved a nuisance when able to utilise his pace. Made a brilliant run down the right flank and cut the ball back to Knight whose shot was saved. Got about his defensive duties strongly too.

Tommy Conway - 6

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Had an early effort deflected into the hands of Wahlstedt but looked sharp and made some clever movements. Worked hard but was an isolated figure on his own through the middle.

Sam Bell - 6

Was a threat on the left when give the opportunity to run, but didn't see much of the ball and grew a little frustrated.

Anis Mehmeti (on for Bell, 58') - 6

Made a positive impact and was energetic on the left. Struggled to get the better of his man one against one but sent in a couple of excellent crosses and gave a good account of himself.

Harry Cornick (on for Conway, 58') - 6

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Was energetic and chased everything, linked the play excellently and sent Sykes on his way for Knight's chance.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman (on for Williams, 58') - 7

Made an instant impact when stealing the ball away from Rovers and finding Knight who set up the City goal. Epitomised what Manning is looking for; aggressive off the ball and progressive on it.

Andi Weimann (on for Knight, 79') - N/A

Ephraim Yeboah (on for Sykes, 79') - N/A

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