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The first game of this season’s Championship play-offs is now complete, and we’ve got Bristol City vs Sheffield United player ratings for every man on the pitch at Ashton Gate tonight.
It was refreshing to see both Sheffield United and Bristol City go with relatively attacking line-ups, with the Blades starting two up top, and the Robins including both Nahki Wells and Anis Mehmeti.
We had a fairly even start to the game, too, with both sides knocking the ball around well. But it was Chris Wilder’s men who had the ball in the net first, with Tyrese Campbell nodding in after a long-throw, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
The Blades did finally have the lead just before half-time, though, with Rob Dickie bringing down Kieffer Moore in the box, receiving a red card in the process, and Harrison Burrows duly obliged in slotting home the resulting penalty.
In the second half, United came out strong once more, patiently grinding the ten-men Bristol City side down. That is, until on 73 minutes, substitute Andre Brooks coolly finished to double the Blades’ lead.
Another substitute, Callum O’Hare, completed the rout with ten minutes to go to make it 3-0 with a neat little flick in the six-yard box.
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Bristol City player ratings vs Sheffield United
Max O’Leary – 7
Once again an impressive display from the Bristol City goalkeeper, who did his best to keep his team in the fight.
George Tanner – 6
Some decent challenges and clearances here and there, but the entire Bristol City defence were destroyed by United in truth.
Rob Dickie – 3
Gave away the all-important penalty and, whether you agree with the sending off or not, his red card completely changed the game and the tie overall.
Zak Vyner – 5
Not a great showing from Vyner, though it does have to be said that he was playing on the wrong side of the defence out there on the left.
Yu Hirakawa – 6
Showed some flashes of flair and quality, but found himself crowded out of the game in the end with the Sheffield United midfield dominating.
Jason Knight – 5
We expect more from the Bristol City skipper, who totally went missing in the middle of the park.
Joe Williams – 6
A harsh end to the night with the talented midfielder having to come off early with an injury. It’s a shame, too, as he looked like he could make an impact tonight.
Ross McRorie – 4
Just like Jason Knight, McRorie was completely anonymous and made no impact at all in midfield.
Max Bird – 7
The only outfield player to show any signs of making something happen for Bristol City. Worked hard, chased every ball, had some meaningful touches, but couldn’t produce anything of note.
Anis Mehmeti – 5
Bristol City needed a big performance from their main goalscorer, and he did not deliver at all tonight.
Nahki Wells – 4
Once again we witnessed another lethargic and pointless display from the Bristol City frontman, who failed to press from the front and put in the hard yards.
Substitutes
Sam Bell – 5; Haydon Roberts – 5; Marcus McGuane – 5; Sinclair Armstrong – 5; George Earthy – 5.
Sheffield United player ratings vs Bristol City
Michael Cooper – 6
Barely had anything to do, with Bristol City failing to register a shot on target for much of the second half after they were reduced to ten-men.
Hamza Choudhury – 7
Another calm, accomplished display from the make-shift full-back who showed his quality to keep the Bristol City danger men out of the game.
Jack Robinson – 7
Cracking long throw to set up the opening (disallowed) goal, and a resolute, firm display at the back all night.
Anel Ahmedhodzic – 7
Like his defensive partner, Ahmedhodzic didn’t put a foot wrong, and did everything he needed to do.
Harrison Burrows – 8
A top quality penalty, a strong display at the back, and plenty of support in attack, too.
Rhian Brewster – 7
Took some time to get into the game, but became a nuisance for Bristol City and caused mayhem in the box on occasion.
Sydie Peck – 7
He may be to blame for that disallowed goal, but it’s yet another fiery, formidable display in the middle from the Blades youngster, who controlled the midfield battle.
Vini Souza – 8
Never did anything spectacular, but did all the hard work necessary to dictate the flow of the game from the central areas.
Gustavo Hamer – 9
Absolutely top-drawer stuff from the Championship Player of the Year. Silky skills, relentless running, neat passing. He may not have scored, but United won the game because of his efforts.
Tyrese Campbell – 7
Unlucky not to have been given that opening goal, and it was a really hard-working centre-forward showing from United’s main danger man.
Kieffer Moore – 7
Like his attacking partner, Kieffer Moore was a constant nuisance for Bristol City, using his physical presence to create a slew of chances.
Tom Davies – 7
Entered the game but didn’t take long to get into the flow at all, playing slick passes and keeping up United’s intensity.
Andre Brooks – 8
Came on and instantly made an impact with a well-taken goal, and added vibrancy to the United right-hand side.
Callum O’Hare – 8
A really lovely goal, and like his other colleagues coming off the bench, O’Hare was full of energy and creativity.
Rob Holding – N/A
Came on late and didn’t have much chance to do anything of note.
Sam McCallum – N/A
Likewise, too late to make an impact.