Bristol City player ratings vs QPR: five 6s and one 7.5 as QPR complete dramatic late comeback

An Emil Riis goal ended up counting for nothing as City allowed a first-half lead to slip and Queens Park Rangers ran out 2-1 winners in a topsy-turvy game at Ashton Gate.

Riis put City in command but Rangers hit back after the break with goals from Richard Kone and second-half substitute Paul Smyth to leave Gerhard Struber’s without a win in their last four outings.

The game began brightly for City and Scott Twine should have broken the deadlock on 15 minutes when he was teed up by Riis but ended up with his head in his hands after his shot from 10 yards out soared into the Rangers fans occupying the Atyeo Stand.

Riis showed Twine how it should be done on 32 minutes when he guided a firm header past goalkeeper Paul Nardi after Middlesbrough loanee Neto Borges showed outstanding skill with a volleyed cross after Ireland international Mark Sykes’ overhit crossfield ball.

It was the 27-year-old Riis’ fourth goal for City since the Danish striker’s move to Ashton Gate from Championship rivals Preston North End over the summer. And it was just what the hosts deserved following an enterprising start to the game – a far cry from the possession-based game City fans got used to seeing under Struber’s predecessor Liam Manning.

Julien Stephan’s Rangers team were unbeaten in their last five matches and it showed as the West London side pushed City all the way and only outstanding defending by centre-back Rob Atkinson and his expertly-timed last-ditch interceptions kept the visitors at bay.

Former Wycombe striker Kone finally cancelled out Riis’ opener on 66 minutes to send the travelling fans wild. City tried and failed to clear their lines as Rangers upped the pressure and in the end Kone was perfectly placed to slam the ball into the roof of the net following a cross from the right wing.

City raised their game and Anis Mehmeti went close to restoring the home side’s lead on 75 minutes when he cleverly made space for himself with some neat footwork on the edge of the penalty area but his low shot went narrowly wide of the diving Nardi’s right-hand post. Soon after sub Ross McCrorie sliced wide - much to the frustration of the majority of the 24,200-strong crowd.

They were made to pay on 84 minutes when Smyth was left unmarked and headed in Jimmy Dunne’s cross beyond on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek’s dive to complete an impressive comeback.

City had their moments, although ex-Rangers striker Sinclair Armstrong struggled to make an impact after replacing Riiss, and there were loud appeals for a penalty when Neto Borges was clattered into by a Rangers player after winning a header but referee Edward Duckworth wave their protests away.

Bristol City Ratings vs QPR

Vitek (GK): The Manchester United loanee was met with a quiet first half thanks to a great defensive display but did fail to grasp a clean sheet this afternoon after conceding two in the second half due to no fault of his own. 7.5

George Tanner: Apart of an exceptional defensive first half display, the 25 year old looked like he was on route to a comftrbale afternoon, but Strubber’s side dropped their levels after the half time break. 6

Rob Dickie (C): Much like the rest of the defence, the Robins captain produced a great defensive performance in the opening 45 minutes, but the reds backline was tested and broken in the second half after the R’s snatched a point this afternoon. 7

Rob Atkinson: A solid presence in the City backline, the defender impressed throughout the opening 45 minutes. His reading of the game was on full display, highlighted by two superb last-ditch challenges to deny both Rumen Burrell and Richard Kone from finding the back of the net and fell extremely unfortunate to not be at the heart of a winning defensive performance. 7.5

Mark Sykes: Having started on the bench against Ipswich Town, Sykes returned to the starting elven and made his opportunity count. The 28 year old was instrumental in the build up to City’s opener, laying the foundations for the breakthrough with his intelligent movement and precise delivery - a return that proved worth its weight in gold. 7

Left disappointed

Zak Vyner: Deployed in midfield by Strubber, the City veteran covered his defensive duties excellently but will be left disappointed after his side didn’t earn all three points but his experience is proving to be extremely valuable to this City side . 6.5

Adam Randell: Partnering Vyner in midfield, the former Plymouth Argyle man was tireless in his work rate, covering every blade of grass. His energy and commitment set the tone for City’s midfield but was left a little frustrated in the second half as that was where the R’s built on their lacklustre first half, finding a route back into the match. 6

Neto Borges: The Brazilian was relentless down the left flank with his attacking intent. The persistence paid off when he delivered a pinpoint assist to spark the Robins’ only goal in this match. 7

Scott Twine: In the opening 15 minutes, the robins number 10 failed to capitalise on a fantastic goalscoring opportunity just six yards from goal, struggling to find a foothold in this game, a huge contrast in performance after his fantastic start to this campaign. 6.5

Anis Mehmetti: Struggled to settle into the match throughout the afternoon as he couldn’t quite find the devastating presence he has previously displayed this season. 6.5

Emil Riis: Continuing his excellent form, the former Danish forward opened the scoring with a superbly executed header after a tense thirty minutes. His intelligent movement and clinical finish provided City with a great platform that Strubber’s men failed to capitalise on, proving to be a vital figure since signing from fellow Championship side Preston North End. 7

Subsitutes

Yu Hirakawa: Looked to add some firepower to the Robins attack, but couldn’t find a much needed goal to salvage a result in this match, much to the dismay of Strubber. 6

Ross McCrorie: Brought on to provide some fresh legs down the right flank, the Scotsman will feel aggrieved after his marker found the winning goal at the back post, despite what seemed a potential push in the back from Kone. 6

Sinclair Armstrong: Introduced to add threat to the opposition’s defensive line but failed to find himself opportunities in and around the box meaning it was a quiet afternoon for the irishman. 6