Bristol City player ratings vs Watford: Robins much-improved as Scott Twine magic secures draw
Bristol Live’s Bristol City player ratings as Gerhard Struber’s Robins drew 1-1 with Watford at Vicarage Road on Friday evening
Scott Twine during Bristol City’s draw with Watford(Image: Photo by Will Cooper/Bristol City)
Radek Vitek – 7.5
The Bristol City goalkeeper could do very little for Marc Bola’s opener, but he pulled off multiple smart saves in the remainder of the first half in difficult conditions. His save to deny Edo Kayembe’s half-volley was superb, even if it didn’t look like he knew much about it. The Manchester United loanee picked up where he left off in the second half as he made a string of brilliant stops in and around the 70-minute mark to keep the Robins level. Another top display.
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George Tanner – 6.5
It would be wrong to lay much, if any blame, at George Tanner’s door for Watford’s opener, as the pass into Marc Bola was superb. The defender went about his business well, if unremarkably, on the right side of the backline. That sort of gritty game appears to be perfect for his particular skillset and on the whole, he has been solid in this block.
Rob Dickie – 6.5
In what was, at times, a backs-to-the-wall showing, Bristol City’s skipper for the night did everything that was needed of him. Rob Dickie got stuck in at the heart of defence and broke up play when Watford started to pile on the pressure. His pace, or at times lack of, was far less of a concern with Zak Vyner stationed to his left. Should have done better with his awful half-volleyed attempt in the second half, mind you.
Zak Vyner – 7
Gerhard Struber opted to restore Zak Vyner to his preferred defensive role, and while Watford’s wide players caused him some problems early on, his block to deny Mamadou Doumbia late in the first period was superb. In possession, his passing range was particularly noticeable as it is something the Robins have been missing in recent weeks. Although he hasn’t been bad in midfield, Friday evening showed that defence is where his ability is best utilised.
Ross McCrorie (off for Yu Hirakawa, 57’) – 7
Back on his favoured right side after his stint on the left in midweek, Ross McCrorie did exactly what Bristol City fans have come to expect of him against Watford. The Scotsman worked hard in and out of possession and very nearly picked up an assist when he did well to find Anis Mehmeti on the edge of the penalty area early in the second half. Hopefully, he will return from Scotland duty fit and firing.
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Adam Randell – 7
Perhaps the best way to describe Adam Randell’s showing is Jason Knight-esque. Despite fundamentally being stationed on his own in the middle of the park, the former Plymouth Argyle man battled away in a fashion akin to the Bristol City skipper as he constantly picked up loose balls and flew into tackles. Randell kept things ticking in possession. Hopefully, he can put his feet up over the next two weeks.
Scott Twine – 8
In all honesty, it doesn’t really come as a surprise anymore, does it, when Scott Twine curls in from a free-kick? While Egil Selvik should have done more to keep it out, it isn’t a coincidence that Bristol City’s number 10 converts so often from these situations. He seemed to use his body better than he has in recent weeks to draw fouls, particularly in the first half, before threading a beautiful ball through to Sinclair Armstrong that deserved to be an assist after the break. His off-the-ball work in a slightly deeper position also deserves credit.
Anis Mehmeti – 7
As he has been often this season, Anis Mehmeti was the livewire when Bristol City were on top. He came close to a sixth of the season when he saw a low, left-footed effort tipped around the post, but didn’t make full use of a really good position late on. Making sure he takes those chances on a more regular basis is what he needs to do to take his game to the next level.
Haydon Roberts (off for Olly Thomas, 87’) – 6
While there were few fireworks in the wing-back’s display, he was solid enough. When he was beaten, the cover Zak Vyner offered ensured it wasn’t all too costly, and he played some smart passes into Anis Mehmeti. He may not be perfect, but he can do a solid job in there if and when he is needed.
Sinclair Armstrong (off for Leo Pecover, 75’) – 7
Having been restored to the starting line-up, Sinclair Armstrong’s pace offered a real outlet for Bristol City in the first half. The Ireland international combined well with Anis Mehmeti down the left flank and used his body brilliantly to draw the foul, which led to Scott Twine’s leveller. Did well again early in the second half to draw a similar foul, but simply had to do better when played through one-on-one by Twine after the hour mark.
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Fally Mayulu (off for Emil Riis, 57) – 5.5
On what was his first Championship start for Bristol City since Boxing Day 2024, Fally Mayulu struggled to have a major impact on proceedings in the first half at Vicarage Road. The Frenchman attempted to link up with some first-time passes, and while he found teammates in black and white on occasion, it felt like he was barely involved in the final third. Outside of one good nod back across the box in the second half, he was similarly quiet before being replaced by Emil Riis.
Substitutes:
Emil Riis – 6
Didn’t make enough of an impact at the top end of the pitch when he replaced Fally Mayulu.
Yu Hirakawa – 6.5
Worked hard in and out of possession to help City to the point.
Leo Pecover – 6
Olly Thomas – N/A
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