Bristol City player ratings vs Norwich City as electric first-half sends Robins into top-six

Max O'Leary - 8

The Bristol City stopper picked up where he left off at Bramall Lane. Two excellent saves in the first half to deny both Callum Doyle and Emiliano Marcondes in quick succession. Was similarly impressive in the second half as he clawed a volleyed Josh Sargent effort away from danger. Could do little to stop Borja Sainz's goal.

Cam Pring - 7

Deployed in a slightly deeper role than usual as the left-sided member of the back three in George Tanner's absence. Seemed to win the majority of his duels while also going on one or two impressive breaking runs up the field when he could. Did get slightly stuck in the mud for Norwich's late goal.

Rob Dickie - 7

Against one of the Championship's best strikers in Josh Sargent, Dickie was always going to have his work cut out. For the most part, he dealt with the American international well to limit his impact. However, he maybe could have done better with his own chances from set-pieces.

Zak Vyner - 6

Vyner was perhaps fortunate in the first half that Norwich were unable to punish him when his pass to Dickie left his defensive partner rather short. Perhaps could have done more to cut out the cross that led to Sainz's goal as well. By no means a bad day, but not one of his best either.

Haydon Roberts - 6

Kept his place at left wing-back and looked comfortable as he did against Sheffield United. Didn't quite get his delivery right when he ventured forward but offered a presence on the left flank that gave others space.

Joe Williams (off for George Earthy, 58') - 7.5

The former Wigan man kept his place after a commanding display in the Steel City and was once again influential on Friday evening. Didn't do as much on the ball but added some bite and steel in the middle of the park before being replaced just before the hour mark.

Jason Knight - 8

As Bristol City supporters have come to expect, the skipper covered each and every blade of grass on the Ashton Gate turf. Even after being booked, the former Derby man was constantly involved in and out of possession, playing some smart passes through to Mark Sykes in particular.

Mark Sykes (off for Sam Bell, 80') - 8

All three of the Ireland international's goals this season have been pearlers, but the opener against Norwich might be the pick of the bunch. The way he chopped into the box before finding the top corner with his left foot was brilliant. Was a constant threat from that moment on while also going about his defensive duties in an excellent manner.

Anis Mehmeti (off for Scott Twine, 69') - 6

Mehmeti returned to the starting line-up having missed out against Sheffield United in midweek and while he was the quietest of the Reds' attacking players in the first half, he still posed a threat. Needed to be quicker when he broke into the box on a couple of occasions after the break, as he wasted valuable chances to further stretch City's lead.

Max Bird (off for Marcus McGuane, 80') - 8

What a footballer Bristol City have on their hands. The former Derby County man looked like he was dictating the pace of the game throughout the first 45 minutes as he repeatedly unlocked the Canaries' backline. He moved to a deeper position in the second half and was just as effective there as he produced some excellent tackles and worked hard off the ball.

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Nahki Wells (off for Sinclair Armstrong, 58') - 7.5

Welcome back Nahki Wells. He may not have started any of City's last six games before Friday night, but he came back with a bang. A great turn and finish to double the Reds' lead and his only complaint will be that he didn't score again as he spurned a great chance not too long after his opener.

Substitutes:

Sinclair Armstrong - 6.5

As he always does, the striker put the fear of life into the opposition defenders with his pace and power. Came close again to scoring. It won't be long until he gets one.

George Earthy - 7

Again, brilliant from the bench. Didn't stop running on or off the ball and played some really smart passes to link things together.

Scott Twine - 6

Got into some good areas and put in an awful lot of work in his time on the pitch.

Sam Bell - 6.5

A few big interventions off the ball proved to be crucial in securing all three points.

Marcus McGuane - 6