Bristol City player ratings as two score 8/10 and one 5/10 in scrappy Coventry win

Bristol City narrowly defeated EFL Championship rivals Coventry City 1-0 at Ashton Gate on Saturday, courtesy of a Rob Dickie header.

An underwhelming first half showing from the Robins saw Coventry strike the bar twice and squander numerous clear-cut chances, as Nigel Pearson tinkered with a new formation given his sides injury woes.

The visitors were made to pay for their lacklustre finishing when Dickie rose tallest to head home Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s free kick on the stroke of half time.

The Robins switched back to their more familiar 4-3-3 formation which tidied things up at the back, and despite some Sky Blues pressure, were able to hold on comfortably for the three points.

Here’s how the Robins players fared…

Player ratings:

Max O’Leary – 7

Pushed Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s shot over the bar early on and saw a couple of Coventry efforts hit the woodwork and flash wide. Did a good job of punching away from corners and free kicks and was commanding.

Rob Dickie – 8

Made a strong tackle to deny Ellis Simms going through on goal early on and won some key last-ditch headers to deny the visitors. Netted the opener with a bullet header into the bottom corner and set the tone defensively.

Andy King – 8

Filled in well at centre back. Was targeted at times by Simms’ pace and power but was always aggressive and brave in the challenge. Looked assured when moving into a back four, too. Top display.

Cam Pring – 7

Was solid on the left side of the back three, got about his defensive work well and won some key headers. Was moved out to his natural role at left back as City switched to 4-3-3 and was allowed more space to trave forward with the ball, but always retained his defensive class.

Mark Sykes – 7

Wasn’t involved much on the right-hand side and grew frustrated at times, but did a solid job for the team out of his natural position and made some vital interceptions and clearances.

Matty James – 7

Battled as hard as ever in the middle and set an example in terms of leadership and determination.

Taylor Gardner-Hickman – 7

Pressed aggressively and made some good interceptions in the middle. Delivered a pinpoint free kick which landed on Dickie’s head for the opener.

Haydon Roberts – 5

Looked a little off the pace which can be forgiven due to his lack of match time. Lost the ball and switched off defensively on a couple of occasions. Was subbed off late in the first half for Knight.

Andi Weimann – 6

Didn’t look 100% sure what his role was and couldn’t get a foothold of the ball to link up with the front pair in the first half. Moved out to the right wing eventually where he was able to get involved a bit more.

Tommy Conway – 6

Looked understandably rusty on his first start since the opening day, couldn’t link up with his strike partner Bell and couldn’t create any openings in front of goal. Was full of running, though, and got 60 minutes under his belt as he returns to full match fitness.

Sam Bell – 6

Hassled but was another who looked somewhat lost at times in the new formation, was more at home when switched to the left flank but wasn’t utilised as much as usual and didn’t get many opportunities to stretch his legs.

Jason Knight (subbed on for Roberts, 38’) – 7

Brought some positive energy to the midfield and gave City some more balance. A strong performance, especially given his sickness earlier in the week.

Harry Cornick (subbed on for Conway, 65’) – 6

Occupied the Coventry defence and was a nuisance up top. Didn’t manage any efforts on goal but no doubt contributed to the win.

Ephraim Yeboah (subbed on for Bell, 74’) – 6

Brought some raw pace and aggression to the game as he always does and forced the visitors back.