Bristol City player ratings: ‘Reckless’ red sees player score 5/10 in Sheffield United loss

Bristol City for all their attacking endeavour had to accept a 1-0 defeat to promotion chasing Sheffield United at Ashton Gate. Iliman Ndiaye scored a goal in controversial circumstances but the Blades came away

Ndiaye scored a free header but there were suspicions of offside in the build-up.  The Robins dominated the match but came away from the match empty handed. Their misery was compounded when George Tanner was dismissed in the fifth minute of additional time for a reckless foul on James McAtee.

Nigel Pearson’s side dropped down a position to 14th as a result of the defeat whilst Sheff Utd are now third and a point off the automatic promotion spots.

Tale of the match

City commanded the first-half in regards to possession and attacking opportunities. They carved open the away defence with Andi Weimann playing in Mark Sykes but Chris Basham hooked the ball over. Matty James’ cross then caused problems with George Baldock hooking clear a cross that Weimann.

As the half closed out, City’s dominance almost resulted in a goal but Weimann’s shot was curled over Wes Foderingham’s bar. A silky run from Alex Scott finished with Foderingham saving from an acute angle in a first-half dominated by City but with no breakthrough.

For all their attacking endeavor in the first half, it was Sheffield United who took the lead through suspicion of offside. Sharp sandwiched in between Tanner and Vyner allowed Ndiaye to head past the onrushing O’Leary.

United had an extra spring in their step from the goal with Ndiaye skidding a low shot at goal which O’Leary had to dive down for. In search of a response, Scott went on a mazy run but laced over his shot. Another attacking phase saw Wells bundled over in the box by Baldock but the referee stood firm.

Substitute Antoine Semenyo - replacing Mark Sykes with Andi Weimann shifted to right wing-back later turned and shot, slicing his attempt. Tanner went closest to an equaliser as he unleashed a shot onto the post on a half volley.

City’s pressure quietened down but Norwood counted himself lucky after going in rash on Joe Williams. Norwood almost rubbed salt into the wounds by dragging his attempt just wide. A red card would eventually be shown as Tanner went in late on James McAtee, which put an end to City’s bid for a point.

Player ratings

Max O’Leary - 6

Not much for the goalkeeper to do in fairness other than try to stop Ndiaye from scoring a free header.

George Tanner - 5

A reckless red card. He lost all composure with a rash challenge on James McAtee in a moment where City needed everyone.

Zak Vyner - 6

Second game in which Vyner has had to play in the centre and take on a leadership role. Unfortunate to have headed the ball on to Ndiaye to score the winning goal.

Cameron Pring - 7

Pring’s got a great balance of defence and attack. He makes well timed tackles whilst also plays delightful balls over the top to his teammates. Great last-ditch challenge on Ndiaye to deny a second.

Mark Sykes - 6

A few moments from Sykes with some testing crosses with some joy down his flank with half-opportunities.

Matty James - 6

A yellow card for leading through on Oliver Norwood. Did show some promise in attack.

Alex Scott - 8

A dazzling display. Scott found several teammates with side-splitting passes and really drove them forward.

Andi Weimann - 7

He had a good first-half and should have scored his first goal since August. He was moved to right wing-back and as such his role changed.

Jay Dasilva - 6

Not as much attacking threat down the left-hand side.

Tommy Conway - 7

He usually sets the pace and intensity and whilst he didn’t get his own opportunities, he teed up Semenyo and Weimann.

Nahki Wells - 7

A moment in the first-half which was to be applauded was his tracking back to tackle Ndiaye. A quiet night in front of goal however with only half opportunities

Antoine Semenyo, subbed on 60 - 6

Still trying to find his shooting boots but he nearly made an impact as he went near to scoring. A few half opportunities and a positive change.

Joe Williams, subbed on 79 - N/A

The substitute was on the receiving end of a rough tackle. Booked for his part in a brawl after the Tanner red.

Chris Martin, subbed on 79 - N/A

He made a positive influence when he came on and was an extra body going forward.