SOUTHAMPTON's bid for automatic promotion was dented as Bristol City won an entertaining Championship clash 3-1 at Ashton Gate.

Saints – who sit third in the table with a game in hand over second-placed Leeds two points above them – had to wait until stoppage time to reply when Adam Armstrong netted from the spot following a foul on Kyle Walker-Peters.

It was a first defeat in 26 matches in all competitions for Russell Martin's side, who had broken club records during the run. 

Here is how we rated their players as that remarkable unbeaten run came to an end... 

Gavin Bazunu - 5. 

Far from his most comfortable evening. Passes out were picked off a few times, leading to dangerous situations. Best moment was a sliding intervention towards the halfway line with City in on goal. The nervousness of the team under pressure reflected by Bazunu. 

Kyle Walker-Peters - 6. 

Although not a fantastic night defensively, Walker-Peters was one of the main attacking outlets again. Had a volley denied well by Max O'Learey from inside the box to level the game. Won the added time penalty for Adam Armstrong to score. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 5.

Two vital bits of defending on Jason Knight early on, with City piling on pressure from kick-off. Unable to clear Dickie's header off the line, despite getting himself into a good position. Feel that Harwood-Bellis and Bednarek were exposed to plenty of attacks - not all their fault. 

Jan Bednarek - 5.

Really excellent in possession when there was chaos around him, with a 99 per cent pass success rate. A big sliding block early on but otherwise limited defensive actions. Will be concerned about the concession of six goals in two matches. 

Ryan Manning - 4.

Often scapegoated unfairly but poor performance from the Irishman this time. Played around for the opening City goal. Does everything he can to try and get to it but the third goal also comes from down his side. 

Shea Charles - 4.

Shaky start in possession, giving the ball away on a few occasions. Ended with just a 75 per cent pass accuracy rate, miles off what we would expect from Flynn Downes. Did win a couple of tackles on transition but was substituted at half-time. 

Will Smallbone - 4.

Started in the eight position and was more comfortably, regularly involved in the play. Suffered from being moved back to the holding midfield, where he is not strong or ruthless enough. Was 0-0 when he was moved back at half-time. Beaten to Dickie's header for the second City goal. 

Joe Rothwell - 5. 

Drives well with the ball and exhibited that during the match - he does not look like he dribbles but rather just runs and somehow the ball sticks. Not very involved in an attacking or defensive sense - he will be disappointed after Saturday's performance. 

David Brooks - 5.

Quieter evening than we have seen in his substitute appearances. Went close to an opener getting on the end of Edozie's ball in but no luck. Managed a 100 per cent dribble success rate but his only two shots were both blocked by a defender. 

Sam Edozie - 7. 

Probably one of the side's best performers. Hit the crossbar with a really good first-time effort in the box, the best individual moment of quality in the game for Saints. Almost set David Brooks up in the second half, a matter of inches denying an opener. 

Adam Armstrong - 6.

Quiet evening for the number nine, playing through the middle again amid the absence of Che Adams. Did set up Edozie for the nearly moment with Brooks and confidently slotted in a consolation penalty in added time. 

Substitutes 

Stuart Armstrong - 5. 

Introduced at half-time but was unable to address the balance of the midfield. His cross that led to Walker-Peters being fouled for the penalty. 

Ryan Fraser - 5.

Played just under 30 minutes but had limited impact. Managed 16 touches and one shot blocked from outside the area. Booked. 

Sekou Mara - 5. 

Managed just 10 touches in just under 30 minutes - admittedly game was lost soon after all the subs came on, not the impact Martin will have wanted. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 5.

Careless pass sparked the counterattack for City's third goal and his reaction to it was poor as well. However, was the most involved of the subs despite coming on last with 15 minutes left. Booked.