Bristol City player ratings vs West Brom - 9/10 'supersub' and 'relentless' 8/10 in dramatic 2-1 win

Supersub Haydon Roberts’ last-gasp winner boosted Bristol City’s Championship play-off push in a 2-1 win over a West Brom side who ended the dramatic Ashton Gate match with 10 men.

The Baggies had Jayson Molumby shown a straight red for jumping into into City substitute Joe Williams after 89 minutes and conceded in the last of five minutes of stoppage time when Roberts’ low shot from 10 yards squeezed beneath Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.

Head coach Liam Manning made just one change to the side that triumphed over Watford at the weekend, with Marcus McGuane earning a starting spot. The 26-year-old shone in what was a memorable night for Manning’s men.

City started brightly, dominating much of the first half. Wells came close with a few early chances before finally breaking the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box. However, the lead was short-lived. A defensive lapse involving Max O’Leary and Cameron Pring allowed Baggies forward Alex Mowatt to capitalise and bring the visitors level.

With both teams desperate for all three points, it was City who showed greater resilience. In the dying moments, Roberts seized on a fortunate break in the box to slot home the winner. While there was an element of luck, it was a goal born from relentless pressure and fighting spirit from the home side.

The win sees City climb to 5th in the table, now just four points clear inside the play-off places, with a trip to QPR next up for Manning’s players this Saturday.

Bristol City player ratings

Max O’Leary (7) – The Ireland international enjoyed a quiet first half but was involved in a costly moment after the break. A miscommunication with his defence led to Alex Mowatt capitalising and levelling the score at 1-1. But, this lapse didn’t discate his game as he still made many crucial saves, once again playing a key role in these pivotal closing matches.

Ross McCrorie (7) – Solid defensively, McCrorie impressed with his positional discipline and awareness on the left flank. He contributed to both ends of the pitch, though perhaps lacked the attacking thrust that might have complemented Manning's movement going forward.

Cameron Pring (6.5) – The 27-year-old delivered a fine assist for Nahki Wells’ stunning opener. However, his evening was overshadowed by a critical defensive mix-up with O’Leary that allowed the visitors back into the contest, but despite a costly error, Pring was still able to produce a solid defensive performance.

Zak Vyner (7.5) – Composed and assured, Vyner showcased maturity at the heart of the defence. Despite the team conceding, he effectively nullified threats down the left channel and demonstrated leadership throughout.

Intensity

Rob Dickie (7) – Continuing his strong run of form, the former QPR defender was once again a key figure in City's backline. His positioning and timing were instrumental in repelling numerous advances from the opposition, and showed unreal composure to provide the winning assist for Roberts’ winning goal.

Mark Sykes (7) – While not as involved in the final third as he might have hoped, the Irishman frequently found space and looked to exploit it. Unfortunately, City failed to convert these opportunities into meaningful chances.Max Bird (7.5) – A composed and energetic presence in midfield, Bird played a crucial role in maintaining City's structure and intensity. A dependable performance that earned him a deserved 7.5 rating.

Jason Knight (7.5) – Knight’s work rate was exceptional, covering vast areas of the pitch and contributing significantly to City’s dominance during key phases. His efforts were vital in securing all three points.

Quality finish

Marcus McGuane (7) – A standout performer in midfield, McGuane reinforced City's pressing game and helped control the tempo. His tenacity and vision ensured a cohesive and impactful midfield display.

Nahki Wells (8.5) – The veteran striker set the tone early with relentless pressing and intelligent movement, and a sublime long-range finish gave City a crucial lead and was a testament to his quality and experience, with the 34 year old back on the scoresheet after his goal against Watford.

George Earthy (7.5) – On loan from West Ham, Earthy was a constant nuisance for the opposition. His high-energy pressing and creativity made him one of City's top performers, continuing to be a standout amongst this City side.

Late surge

Substitutes

Joe Williams (8) – Injected energy and purpose into City’s midfield upon his introduction, helping swing the momentum firmly in the home side’s favour.

Hayden Roberts (9) – Played the role of supersub to perfection by delivering a match-winning contribution with a dramatic late goal, ensuring a vital three points and boosting City’s play-off dreams.

Yu Hirakawa (7) – Brought a different dimension off the bench, using his agility and technique to stretch the visitors’ defence. His persistence mirrored City’s intensity throughout the match.

Sinclair Armstrong (7) – Tasked with replacing Wells, Armstrong brought fresh legs and a renewed attacking threat. Though not on the scoresheet, his presence played a key role in City’s late surge.

George Tanner (7) - After a significant period of time on the sidelines, it was a successful return for the defender with the away side creating very few goal scoring chances since his introduction onto the pitch.