Middlesbrough 0-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Adam Federici – 6

After some early indecisiveness over collecting a cross he didn’t have to make any notable saves bar turning an Albert Adomah shot around the post. A quiet, but solid performance in his first game since the departure of fellow ‘keeper Alex McCarthy.

Chris Gunter – 7

Didn’t offer as much going forward as usual but then that wasn’t what the game demanded. Looked composed defensively and dealt comfortably with most threats down Boro’s left-hand side.

Michael Hector – 8

We saw the good side of Michael Hector again today as he used his mobility and strength to deal with everything he was challenged with, though perhaps Middlesbrough didn’t play with the same power and dynamism in the final third as Forest last week.

Alex Pearce – 8

Headed clear countless crosses but couldn’t use his aerial prowess at the other end due to Reading’s lack of set piece opportunities and sensible conservativeness at the end of the match. Looked vocal organising the back four and keeping the holding midfielders disciplined.

Jordan Obita – 7

Had a mixed performance against one of the league’s top wingers in Albert Adomah. Seemed to match the wideman for pace, but once or twice was beaten by Adomah’s footwork. Was composed throughout and made some well-timed tackles.

Aaron Kuhl – 6

Continued his good start to his Reading career, with some good short passing.  Showed his good footballing brain when covering for centre back Michael Hector. Was caught on the ball once and didn’t have the space to make any long passes. Replaced early in the second half as Adkins looked to shut up shop.

Oliver Norwood – 6

Misplaced a few passes and is clearly still settling in but looked like a stylish player. Was perhaps confined by the nature of the game.

Jamie Mackie – 8

Beginning to become a fans' favourite as he worked tirelessly to press the defence. Missed an opportunity to get on the end of a Ryan Edwards’ low cross, much to his own dismay. Moved to a central striker position at the end of the match and held the ball up well.

Ryan Edwards – 7

Misplaced a few diagonal passes but worked energetically through midfield. Tired late on and his influence on the game waned, but his work rate before then had already helped Reading to a great position. Nearly created a second goal with a low cross but Mackie didn’t gamble on the near post.

Jake Taylor – 5

Another quiet game for the Welsh international, he worked hard but made no notable impact. Clearly has some good qualities but seems to lack presence.

Simon Cox – 8

His finish for the goal was superb, and he linked up with other players fairly well but didn’t make many other serious contributions apart from an ambitious turn and shot from 25 yards. Replaced at the start of the second half.

Subs

Hope Akpan – 8

Akpan has been heavily criticised by fans for his passing and ball control, but in this game he did precisely what was asked of him.  Adomah, who had been ‘Boro’s main attacking threat, was almost nullified by Akpan’s combination on the left side with Obita.

Craig Tanner – 5

Worked hard to harry the back four much more than Cox had, using his pace well in that regard. However he made some poor touches and missed a chance to break at ‘Boro late on as he lost the ball when he should have released it sooner.

Jake Cooper – 6

As good in the air as you would expect from his height, and this was important as the curtain fell on a stubborn defensive performance for Reading.

Do you agree or disagree with the ratings? Who was your man of the match? Let us know below.