Bristol City player ratings v Sunderland: 8/10 'Saviour' vital but two 5/10s scored in goalless draw

Bristol City made it three matches without defeat as they drew 0-0 against Championship rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Robins struggled to get a foothold in the match in the first half and relied on several saves from Max O’Leary to keep them in the match.

Sunderland struck the crossbar twice through Adil Aouchiche and Bradley Dack, but couldn’t force a winning goal.

The result sees City remain in 12th position with five matches remaining.

Liam Manning’s side made a quick start to the match, a ball in behind from Cam Pring was almost latched onto by Nahki Wells, but Anthony Patterson was sharply off his line to clear away.

Anis Mehmeti then beat Trai Hume on the left flank and fired a low cross off Dan Neil and behind for a corner.

The hosts hit back instantly, and it took a brilliant, clawed save from O’Leary to stop Daniel Ballard’s header from nestling into the back of the net after an error from Pring.

The Black Cats continued to threaten City as youngster Jack Clarke began to come into the game from the left flank.

City were almost the makers of their own downfall when a mix-up between Zak Vyner and Jason Knight allowed Sunderland to craft an opening.

Jobe Bellingham found Clarke whose curling effort was pushed out by O’Leary.

Manning’s side looked to cause the Sunderland defence some problems with a few set pieces, but the windy conditions prevented Scott Twine from finding his teammates.

10 minutes before half-time, Mike Dodds’ team stepped up their efforts to break the deadlock.

Clarke slid Bellingham through, whose effort was well stopped before the City keeper pushed away a rebound effort from Clarke.

Moments later, O’Leary made another save from Neil as Aouchiche’s header crashed off the crossbar.

City finally settled in the last five minutes of the first half and began to dominate until the break.

Despite their lack of chances, the visitors almost stole the advantage when Twine directed Wells’ effort goalwards, but Luke O’Nien was well placed to scuff off the line.

Manning brought Ross McCrorie on at the break as the visitors switched to five at the back to try and gain greater control of proceedings.

The switch worked and City were able to grow into the match more.

Twine’s free-kick was nodded down by Haydon Roberts and Matty James’ volleyed effort was collected well by Patterson.

However, City still struggled to create notable chances and Sunderland came back into the match.

Neil’s flick-on found Bradley Dack at the back post, who headed towards goal. The effort crashed down off the crossbar and into O’Leary’s hands.

George Tanner was then dispossessed by Clarke on the halfway line, who travelled forward and picked out Bellingham who took too long and saw his effort pushed behind.

In stoppage time, Tommy Conway set the ball to Joe Williams on the edge of the area, but the midfielder’s left-footed effort was blocked away and the final whistle was blown minutes later.