Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 1-0 defeat to Bristol City.

David Raya 6

Dealt with most things that came his way, including a smart stop from a Diedhiou second half header. Was blocked off for the goal as Pisano turned in from close range.

Elliott Bennett 7

A whole-hearted return to form for Bennett after a difficult game against Brentford. Battled hard at right back, and then when moved further up the pitch.  Made one excellent first half block to deny Diedhiou.

Jack Rodwell 7

Showed great recovery in the first half to deny Diedhiou when clean through, and was generally calm and composed.

Charlie Mulgrew 6

Tried to play offside on occasion which didn’t come off, but was generally in the right place to deal with crosses in to the box, while made several excellent cross-field balls to Graham .Didn’t get too many occasions to show off his set piece quality.

Derrick Williams 6

Got the nod over Bell and was caught out by balls over the top of his channel on occasion. Headed over from a good opening in the second half.

Lewis Travis 5

Gave the ball away on too many occasions in the first half and was substituted in the second half shortly after escaping a second yellow card.

Richie Smallwood 6

Restored to the side and generally competed well in the middle of the park, winning more tackles, and completing more passes than anyone else. Doesn’t have the composure of Evans, but can never be criticised on workrate.

Harrison Reed 6

Appeared to run out of steam in the final 10 minutes when switched from the right to central midfield. Saw six crosses in to the box come to nothing.

Bradley Dack 6

Struggled to link up with Graham in the first half, but created one good chance in the second after collecting in Armstrong pass, before being replaced.

Adam Armstrong 7

Fired in too shots in the first half, one saved by Fielding, the other flashing wide. Didn’t make the most of some good openings in the second half, while his crossing was below par.

Danny Graham 6

Got little change from the back four, or referee. His knockdowns didn’t fall for team-mates, while Webster and Kalas teamed up well to deal with balls in to the box. 

Subs

Ryan Nyambe (for Travis, 58) 5

Lost his man for the man for the goal as Pisano turned home from close range.

Joe Rothwell (for Dack, 73) 6

One excellent ball to Nuttall created Rovers’ best chance for an equaliser.

Joe Nuttall (for Smallwood, 82) 5

Failed to collect a Rothwell pass correctly which would have put him clean through in added time.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Amari’i Bell, Craig Conway, Ben Brereton