Reading 1-2 Bournemouth: Player Ratings

Reading - McCarthy; Gunter, Pearce, Gorkss (Le Fondre 80), Cummings; McCleary (Drenthe 66), Guthrie, Williams, Obita, Robson-Kanu (Pogrebnyak 45); Sharp

Alex McCarthy - 6

A token 6 for McCarthy who didn't really have a save to make aside from the one which led to the opener for the Cherries. His kicking was better today as well.

Chris Gunter - 6

Fast improving, Gunter did well today despite picking up an early yellow card. Got forward when possible to support McCleary and then Drenthe on the right wing, and was the best of the back four.

Alex Pearce - 5

Not the best game for Pearce, who was constantly on the back foot against the pacey, skilful Bournemouth front line. Had a couple of headed efforts from corners, and generally dealt with his own clearances well.

Kaspars Gorkss - 4

Gorkss was shaky all game and was lucky that one or two of his mistakes didn't lead to further Cherries goals, as both his pace and marking were exposed, particularly by Grabban.

Shaun Cummings - 5

Kept his place at left-back somewhat surprisingly, with Kelly making way for Gunter, but Cummings was solid, if a bit negative in possession, preferring the safe option of Gorkss/McCarthy rather than taking a chance to get forward.

Garath McCleary - 5

A couple of good runs in behind the Bournemouth back-line which led to nothing, McCleary was otherwise ineffectual and was replaced by Drenthe with half an hour left.

Danny Guthrie - 4

Gave away the foul for the first goal (also booked and will miss the next game), gave away the ball for the second. Just about made up for it by being the only Reading player with a modicum of creativity.

Danny Williams - 4

After a decent performance in midweek, Williams was completely anonymous for this match as his midfield was overrun by the slick Cherries passing.

Jordan Obita - 4

Another player who was largely unseen throughout the match, Obita delivered one or two good crosses but was otherwise kept in check by Bournemouth.

Hal Robson-Kanu - 3

Dismal performance from HRK who was employed on the wing for this match, I think. Couldn't control, pass or cross, and was brought off at half-time.

Billy Sharp - 4

Clearly can't work up top on his own. Had no scraps to feed off. Didn't get that one chance he needs to make it count. Sounds like another of our strikers...

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Pavel Pogrebnyak - 5

Tried his best when he came on, and actually managed to control some long passes and try to create attacks, but to no avail.

Royston Drenthe - 6

He lifted the Reading crowd, injected pace and directness into the game, and created the consolation. Decent half-hour from Drenthe.

Adam Le Fondre - 5

Did his job and poached a goal, but like Sharp, this sort of game didn't play to his strengths.

Agree? Disagree? Who was your man of the match? Let us know below...