--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-20T16:54:55.726Z last_updated: 2026-09-18T21:25:04+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/bristol-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpc3RvbHBvc3QuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvZm9vdGJhbGwtbmV3cy9icmlzdG9sLWNpdHktcGxheWVyLXJhdGluZ3MtdnMtMTExNjI3Nzc --- # Bristol City player ratings after Ballard heads Reds to Watford win - **Source:** - **Published:** 18 Sept - **Club:** Bristol City - **Original URL:** https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-player-ratings-vs-11162777 Over the season so far, George Tanner has been a player who has split opinion. On Friday evening, he was a vital cog in a defensive performance that set Bristol City on their way to all three points against Watford. The right-back marshalled Amin Nabizada, Edo Kayembe and Stephy Mavidid superbly throughout the night to limit what they produced down his flank and even popped up with a couple of great passes - namely a chipped effort that set Lorent Tolaj through on goal. On his first Ashton Gate start of the season, Noah Eile didn’t look as if he’d been away. As the right-sided member of Bristol City’s centre-back partnership, the 24-year-old went about his business calmly in and out of possession to keep Watford at arm’s length, and the Reds ticking in on the ball. Maybe tired a little as the game wore on, but still appeared to win almost every battle he entered over the course of the 88 minutes he was on the field. All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox. It's completely free and you can sign up HERE Outside of a couple of shaky moments in possession - namely a head-scratching pass or two - Bristol City’s other Big Rob stepped into the boots vacated by Rob Dickie well on Friday. The 28-year-old seemed to win almost every aerial duel he challenged and was good value for his clean sheet. Had he been slightly tidier on the ball, it would have been a perfect night. Entering the first international break of the season with six assists to your name would be an impressive feat for any player. Rio Cardines has now done exactly that, in his first season of consistent first-team football. The Palace loanee’s cross for Dom Ballard’s header was exceptional, and he would have been good value for a second assist before the break when he landed a free-kick on the head of Joe Williams. Came very close to a first City goal with an excellent set-piece of his own and was, once again, one of the best players in red and white on the night. Having made just one start since that opening-day red card against Millwall, Adam Randell produced probably his best display of the term so far against Watford on Friday evening. It is hard to pinpoint exact moments in which the former Plymouth Argyle man stood out, be just seemed assured in almost everything that he did. One piece of work that did catch the eye was the way he marshalled his man inside the area moments before he was withdrawn. Solid. The only complaint you could have with Joe Williams’ first-half display was that he didn’t find the net with his diving header. Outside of that moment, the 29-year-old seemed to win every tackle he entered, complete every pass he attempted, as he looked back to his best. Had another good chance from a Rio Cardines’ free-kick in the second period that he also couldn’t head home, but helped drag the Reds over the line in what looked like a tired second-half. One of just three outfield players to keep their place from Tuesday night’s defeat, Yu Hirakawa was bright early on against Watford. Three or four times, the winger cut onto his left foot from the right and was able to get shots away. Unfortunately, they were all blocked before they could truly test the goalkeeper. Defensively, he helped George Tanner go about his business throughout the night, but looked to have tired in the second-half and was therefore replaced by Jed Wallace shortly after the hour mark. Michael Skubala said there were some tired legs in his Bristol City squad after Tuesday night’s defeat. It certainly didn’t look as though Jason Knight was one of those players feeling the effects of the clash with Lincoln from the press box. Stationed up near Dom Ballard, the Irishman covered every blade of grass as he charged around the field. The only mark against him was his missed header in the first-half; other than that, he was his usual self. Bristol City’s summer signing may have been the smallest player in the Watford penalty area when Rio Cardines’ cross curled into the box, but his headed finish was the sort you’d expect to see from a target man. The 21-year-old jumped well and expertly guided into the far corner with the faintest of touches. It was a goal he deserved for his hard work in the opening 45 minutes. The striker continued to battle away in the second period, but had faded slightly by the time he was withdrawn. Added some energy at the top end of the field, but wasn’t able to make the most of the chances that fell his way. Helped see out the three points and managed a couple of lively attacking runs of his own. His introduction and the switch to a back three helped get the points over the line. Join Bristol City Live's Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. 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