Bristol City player ratings vs Watford: Max Bird stands out as forwards regret wasted chances
by Daniel Carter · BristolLiveMax O'Leary - 6
The City keeper could do little to stop Ryan Andrews' opener as it was smashed across goal and dealt with everything else he had to in an otherwise quiet evening.
Cam Pring - 6
Having impressed off the bench last time out, the left-back deserved his start and was dangerous from start to finish. His pace gave City a different dimension both in attack and defence and cannot be undervalued but he needed to get out to Andrews quicker for the opener.
Rob Dickie - 6
Dickie started back-to-back games for the first time in a couple of months and he didn't quite seem at his commanding best. Got caught under the ball on a couple of occasions but still produced the sort of blocks and tackles City fans have become used to.
Luke McNally - 6
The centre-back didn't have the best of games against his former club last time out, but he looked much more assured at Vicarage Road. Won the majority of his duels and in one of his better displays in possession.
Zak Vyner - 6
Deployed out of position at right-back rather than centre-back from the off. While he is by no means a natural there in possession, he did a good job without the balll.
Jason Knight - 6
The City captain worked his socks off as he always does and created a couple of reasonable chances. Could have given the Robins the lead inadvertantly in the second half had he had a bit more luck.
Marcus McGuane - 7
Bristol City's new fan favourite. The former Watford man was all over the pitch with some big tackles and a couple of important interceptions but lacked the finishing touch when he ventured forward himself. Another workmanlike display.
Anis Mehmeti (off for Scott Twine 71') - 6
After a difficult afternoon against Burnley last time out, the Albanian winger showed flashes of his best at Vicarage Road. His link-up play with Wells was excellent and carved out a few scoring chances but still lacked that conviction to take advantage when in the final third. Hard to be too critical when so much of what he did was good but he needs to do more in the box.
Max Bird (off for George Earthy 79') - 7
After a quiet afternoon against the Clarets, Bird was much more influential at Vicarage Road. Carved out a couple of great chances in the number 10 role and helped the press out of possession. Came alive in the second period and showed just how good he can be at this level. Surprise to see him replaced.
Yu Hirakawa (off for Haydon Roberts 60') - 5
Having been restored to the starting XI, the Japanese winger started incredibly brightly, however, his impact on the game seemed to fade as it wore on. Struggled defensively at times and was replaced early in the second half. Not his best showing but unfortunate to be replaced.
Nahki Wells (off for Fally Mayulu 71') - 6
As he so often is, the centre-forward was a constant nuisance at the top end of the pitch even if it was for little gain. Battled away and interchanged well with those around him, even if he didn't necessarily see an awful lot of the ball.
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Substitutes:
Haydon Roberts - 5
Looked slightly off of the pace in an unnatural position and was caught on the wrong side of the ball on a few occasions.
Fally Mayulu - 5
A few nice touches but nothing of any real note.
Scott Twine - 7
Got immediately stuck in and was effective as the Robins' number 10. Has to be close to a start. Nearly scored an incredible goal.