Adam Federici – 6
Let down by his defence on numerous occasions, but saved well when he was called upon. Most notably was when he pushed Alan Judge out wide to prevent a shot, then managed to get up quickly and back into position to parry away the next part of the attack.
Chris Gunter – 6
Probably the only part of the defence that came away from Saturday with any kind of respectability. Gunter looked to go forward, linking up well down the right hand side, and crossing the ball in for Reading’s goal. And anyone who goes up into the stands to retrieve the ball from a fan deserves and extra point.
Michael Hector – 5
Looked lost for a lot of the game. He also looked panicked when he was on the ball and wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Needed to be stronger for the first goal.
Alex Pearce – 4
You know when you watch things with your hands over your eyes, peeping through your fingers because it’s too cringe worthy or painful? Yeah, that’s what I did for most the time Pearce was on the ball on Saturday. He looked slow, and was turned by the Brentford attack more times than I could count.
Jordan Obita – 5
A disappointing performance by Obita’s standards. He seemed to be stuck in defence more than usual, and we didn’t see as much of his attacking flare as we’re used to.
Nick Blackman – 7
My personal man of the match, he utilised the space well that he was given down the right hand side. He was unlucky that one of his efforts on goal didn’t go in. His corners were also dangerous and Murray was unfortunate not to convert one.
Aaron Kuhl – 6
Did okay, got stuck in and tried. However, his inexperience showed, and some of his special awareness wasn’t on point. Also gave the ball away in midfield which ultimately led to the second Brentford goal.
Ryan Edwards – 4
He had one weak shot at the Brentford goal, and he seemed to run around a lot without an end result. That’s it; I don’t really remember him doing anything else. I personally believe bringing him off at half time was the correct decision.
Oliver Norwood – 5
Pinged some balls about, but not as impressive (or memorable) as he’s been in recent weeks.
Hal Robson-Kanu – 5
I’m not entirely sure why he started as it was obvious he still isn’t back to full fitness. Did alright down the wing during the half he played, and had a chance on goal. Again, I believe it was the right decision to substitute him at half time.
Glenn Murray – 6
Made a nuisance of himself up front, winning free kicks and getting himself into decent positions. It was a shame he couldn’t keep his header down from Blackman’s in-swinging corner.
Subs:
Jamie Mackie – 6
Made an instant impact, looking threatening when going forward. Got the assist for Cox’s goal. Also got back well, and headed well off the line to save Reading from conceding another goal.
Simon Cox – 6
Again, like Mackie, made an excellent contribution when he came on, and scored Reading’s consolation goal. Got himself into decent positions and looked like another threat going forward.
Pavel Pogrebnyak – 5