Bristol City player ratings v Millwall: Nine 5/10s as Robins architects of their own downfall

Bristol City slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Millwall who claimed their first away win of the Championship season at Ashton Gate.

Zian Flemming profited from a Robins error to restore the Lions lead after Jake Cooper had turned in to his own net for an equaliser following Tom Bradshaw’s first-half opener. Ex-City loanee Benik Afobe missed a stoppage-time penalty to miss the chance of inflicting further damage.

The defeat sees City drop to 15th but they are at least five points clear of 22nd-placed Middlesbrough who occupy the final relegation spot. Saturday’s victors Millwall move up to 10th and are just two points off of the play-off spots.

Tale of the match

The hosts started on the front foot and had a clean connection been made the deadlock would have been broken. Tommy Conway sprayed a pass to Mark Sykes on the flank and his cross was almost met by Antoine Semenyo.

Millwall began to threaten from set pieces which has been a vulnerability in recent weeks for City. Ex-City loanee George Saville - booed by the home supporters - put in a delivery that just missed a connection. Shaun Hutchinson had the best chance up to the half-hour mark as his goal-bound header was cleared by Mark Sykes.

The visitors took the lead as three-minutes of additional time were indicated. Bradshaw’s header was well saved by Max O’Leary but the Welsh striker was able to turn it home on the rebound in a congested box.

City came out of the dressing rooms as the team with something to chase and they went near to levelling things up. Semenyo fizzed a low-driven shot just past as City hoped to get their fans back onside

As Millwall tried to break, the match was brought to a halt. An off-the-ball incident saw Jake Cooper and Semenyo involved in a skirmish which both players received yellow cards for.

The match became physical and gritty with City benefitting from it as the fans got back on their feet. Semenyo had another opportunity for a goal, as he forced George Long to block from an acute angle with his feet.

After not finding a response in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, Pearson rolled the dice with a triple substitution. Chris Martin and Nahki Wells came on, along with Tomas Kalas who made his first appearance in seven months with Tommy Conway, Mark Sykes and the patched-up Klose making way.

City began to concede cheap free-kicks and almost fell further behind. A free-kick was whipped in and Millwall skipper Hutchinson touched a shot just past the post.

The hosts got themselves back on level terms after weathering a wave of Millwall attacks. Semenyo sprayed a pass out to the recently introduced Pring and his cross was turned in by Hutchinson.

Millwall would restore their lead minutes later however and in a similar fashion to the first goal were gifted it. O’Leary came out to punch a cross in a congested penalty box but Kalas headed it and the ball fell to Fleming to stroke home in to an empty net.

No response came from the hosts in the six minutes of additional time and boos could be heard at the full-time whistle.

Player ratings

Max O’Leary - 6

He made a good save to deny Bradshaw on his initial attempt and his defence should have helped him given the time after it. In the second-half, he wasn’t as comfortable in possession. Saved a penalty to keep the margin to one.

Mark Sykes - 7

Proactive. He made a goal line clearance to deny Shaun Hutchinson who was in a good position to head home. Subbed off after the hour mark after being up there as one of the better players.

Zak Vyner - 5

A few risky passes in the second-half which could have been punished had Millwall players been more alert.

Timm Klose - 6

Warrior-like. The defender had a head injury and needed to be patched up with a bandage. He made a superb last-ditch tackle on Tom Bradshaw in the first-half. Subbed off for Tomas Kalas.

Robert Atkinson - 6

A nervous display in the first-half and he was found out of position on a few occasions.

Joe Williams - 5

Williams came deep to receive the pass from the goalkeeper and his defence but was caught in possessions at times.

Alex Scott - 5

A moment in the first-half saw Scott do the hard work of dribbling a considerable distance but he lacked the confidence to shoot. He ran out of ideas in the second-half and had a difficult afternoon.

Andi Weimann - 5

A match that passed by the Austrian. He hadn’t had any chances of note and wasn’t able to work off of any of his teammates either.

Jay Dasilva - 5

Dasilva’s delivery wasn’t at its best today with the Millwall defence doing enough to nullify his threat.

Tommy Conway - 5

Conway struggled to get into any notable shooting areas and was unable to make any impact on the game. He was too slow to react to a poor Millwall free-kick and they punished him on it. Came off after the hour mark.

Antoine Semenyo - 6

An early moment for Semenyo summed up his game. He struggled with his footing and was unable to turn a shot home. He improved in the second-half and showed more fight. Played a key pass to Cameron Pring for the equaliser.

Nahki Wells, subbed on 60 - 5

Brought on but no chances of note.

Chris Martin, subbed on, 60 - 5

Brought on but nothing of note.

Tomas Kalas, subbed on 60 - 5

Brought on and looked assured in patches but collectively the defence was poor and sluggish.

Cameron Pring, subbed on 65 - 6

Impactful. Came on for Jay Dasilva and within five minutes he plays a key part in the equaliser. He was in acres of space and his cross ended up being turned home for an own goal.

Dylan Kadji, subbed on 90+2 - N/A

Came on in stoppage-time but there wasn’t enough time to influence things.