Max O’Leary – 5
The Bristol City goalkeeper did not have a whole lot come his way against Sheffield United. The shots that troubled him most at Ashton Gate were ones which were too emphatic for him to get to, yet were unable to hit the target, most notably when Gus Hamer slapped a thunderbolt onto the far post from a tight angle. A couple of dodgy clearances from crosses followed in the second half and, unfortunately, a questionable punch resulted in a corner which then led to United’s equaliser.
Cam Pring (70′) – 7
It was like he never left, really. Pring slotted back into left back with relative ease as we got a reminder of how physical and solid the 26-year-old is. Despite Hamer getting in behind down his side once in the first half, the full back was not really beaten by winger Andre Brooks as Pring matched him for physicality.
Kal Naismith (81′) – 7
A bit of a surprise starter, Naismith did really well on his return to a starting line-up. He was strong in the tackle against the Blades’ front three and was progressive on the ball, taking on his pressing counterparts on numerous occasions to impressively work the ball through the lines. He repeatedly got the Reds into good positions higher up, even winning a foul on the edge of the United penalty area early in the second half.
Zak Vyner – 6
Steady as always, was Vyner. He did not let much trouble him down his side, getting in the way of balls into the box. He tried to make things happen with some attempted forward passes which did not quite come off, but it was clear he had the right intentions to get his team moving.
Mark Sykes (6′) – N/A
Marcus McGuane – 6
McGuane followed up his two impressive performances against Leeds United and Preston North End with another lively showing against the Blades. He pressed well and took up some great positions to intercept and get in the way of balls. The ex-Barcelona B man also looked to drive forward and force his team up the pitch, operating with an elegance on the ball as he glided across the turf. Managed a full 90 minutes but it was a horrible way to end.
Jason Knight – 6
Same old captain consistent. The Irishman owned his space in the midfield for the majority of the game, letting his opponents know he was there with some solid challenges positive play. Not even his engine could help prevent the Robins from conceding the late winner, though.
George Earthy (81′) – 7
You have to feel for the youngster. Earthy was the main casualty of the Sykes substitution (aside from the Irishman, of course) as he was forced to fill in at right back due to the lack of straight alternatives. The West Ham United loanee did brilliantly defensively seeing as it is not his usual duty, but that meant he was robbed of much attacking freedom and his decision-making slightly lacked when he did venture forward, opting to turn and pass back in the first half instead of whipping in a first-time ball.
Max Bird – 7
He seems to be continuing to grow into the no.10 role game by game and provided the ball for Sinclair Armstrong to latch onto and subsequently win the penalty. He had a shot from range that was blocked as many were throughout the afternoon and then as the Blades pushed for an equaliser, and then winner, he had less involvement in the game.
Yu Hirakawa – 7
Hirakawa followed up his star (yet controversial) performance in Preston with another bright showing again at Ashton Gate. He was City’s most direct forward in the first half as he constantly took on Alfie Gilchrist down the left flank, whipping some fierce balls in the box towards Nahki Wells. He was blunted a bit in the second half as he struggled to find space, with his shots all being closed down and blocked by defenders. The winger did do well tracking back again as he did on Saturday at Preston.
Nahki Wells (46′) – 6
The Bermudian got in some good positions in his half on the pitch but struggled against the physicality of Anel Ahmedhodzic and Harry Souttar. He had a great chance to open the scoring in the first half but could only poke wide from very close range.
Substitutes:
Anis Mehmeti (6′) – 8
The winger really grew into the game after an unexpected early introduction, and he certainly made his mark. He was positive down the right, despite it not always coming off, and stepped up when it mattered to score a neat penalty under pressure.
Sinclair Armstrong (46′) – 7
The Irishman seemed to struggle a bit after coming on at half time as he showed inconsistency with his actions, doing something good before misplacing some simple-ish passes. He did do very well though to win the penalty, getting the right side of his centre back and using his pace to beat Cooper to the ball and win the foul.
Haydon Roberts (70′) – 6
Not a bad shift from Roberts again after coming on for the second game running, this time at time Liam Manning will have been a bit more comfortable with.
Elijah Morrison (81′) – N/A
Bright again off the bench in difficult circumstances that followed.
Rob Dickie (81′) – N/A
Came on. Was solid. Got sent off in stoppage time. Robins then conceded. Not the cameo the big man would have wanted off the bench.