Bristol City player ratings: ‘Commanding, energetic’ - Three score 8/10 vs Swansea City

Bristol City had to settle for a point as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Swansea City who battled from behind at Ashton Gate.

Tommy Conway opened the scoring for the Robins in the 24th minute after coming out of the blocks. Swansea put City under pressure after the goal and substitute Olivier Ntcham was able to break down the door in the remaining 15 minutes.

Nigel Pearson’s side remain in 13th place whilst Russell Martin’s men dropped down a position to fifth-place after Sheffield United’s win over West Bromwich Albion.

A fast-paced start saw City attack from the kick-off. A ball down the right-hand flank allowed George Tanner to float in a low cross but Nahki Wells couldn’t connect cleanly.

Swansea had their own opportunity as a mis-placed pass in the centre of the park allowed them to counter. Michael Obafemi’s cross was headed behind by Oli Cooper who had the beating of Tanner.

Antoine Semenyo should have broke the deadlock but for a fine stop from Steven Benda from six-yards out. Wells combined with Tommy Conway who drilled the ball across the floor to Semenyo but was denied.

Alex Scott profited from a loose Nathan Wood, as he picked up possession and threaded it to Wells with Benda blocking his attempt with his foot.

City’s attacking endeavour paid off as they broke the deadlock inside 25 minutes. Conway was played in by Wells and the Scotland Under-21 international finessed his effort past the goalkeeper.

After going behind, Swansea controlled possession for the remainder of the half but did not threaten Max O’Leary and as such City held a first-half lead.

For the first half-an-hour of the second-half, neither side made any real clear-cut opportunities. Swansea had more of the ball but City’s defence held firm. It prompted the visitors to make a raft of changes.

Russell Martin made an inspired sub as Ntcham levelled things up. An uncleared corner fell to the midfielder on the edge of the box and he drove home past O’Leary.

City had several opportunities to break on the counter-attack but could not trouble Steven Benda. The makeshift defence instead had to hold their own and see out the Swans for a draw.

Player ratings

Max O’Leary - 7

Reliable. Swansea’s pressure came from crosses and O’Leary dealt with the aerial threat well by claiming the ball from most of them.

George Tanner - 7

With Vyner moved to the centre, we saw a more attacking central fee with Tanner roaming early. He showed a good balance of defence and attack. Can be content for what was his first Championship start since November 2021.

Zak Vyner - 8

Commanding. Vyner was tasked with a complete new defence with Rob Atkinson dropping out in the eleventh hour. He marshalled his defence well and led by example.

Cameron Pring - 8

Dependable. Pring wasn’t even starting initially but came into the starting XI at the eleventh hour for Rob Atkinson and slotted in like a glove. A terrific block to deny Olivier Ntcham on two occasions.

Mark Sykes - 7

Nothing major of note to report about Sykes who’s attacking involvement was limited.

Alex Scott - 7

A bold decision to start with Scott as a centre-midfielder with only Matty James providing defensive cover whilst he went from box-to-box. Scott started brightly but things faltered out in the second period.

Matty James - 7

Swansea did find some joy through the centre of the park which was expected given James was the only anchor. The ball passed him by some times but

Tommy Conway - 8

Tenacious and energetic. A first goal in nine games for the young striker who started his first game. Benefitted from reuniting with strike partner Wells.

Jay Dasilva - 7

Dasilva bundled Luke Cundle off the ball in the box and may have been fortunate to get away with it.

Antoine Semenyo - 7

Neither a goal nor an assist for Semenyo but he was tireless in his performance. Semenyo and Conway worked well in swapping positions.

Nahki Wells - 7

Provided an assist to Conway for the opening goal. He benefited from working with Conway again. Subbed off for Sam Bell but can be happy with his display.

Chris Martin, subbed on 72’ - 6

Introduced to offer something different for City moving forward. No clear-cut opportunity to remember. The ball fell to him on the counter but play tended to slow down.

Sam Bell, subbed on 72 - 6

Came on alongside Martin to offer something different for City but couldn’t get a feel for the game.

Joe Williams, subbed on 81 - 6

Brought on to keep things steady in the middle after Swansea’s equaliser. Escaped a yellow after a rash challenge.

Andy King, subbed on 81 - 6

Brought on to sure the midfield up after Ntcham’s equaliser.