Watford vs Reading: Player Ratings

<strong>Alex McCarthy – 9</strong>

One of his best performances this season, looking almost unbeatable at times. His best save of the afternoon came from a dipping Troy Deeney header which he managed to tip over the bar.

<strong>Chris Gunter – 7</strong>

Another solid performance at right back. However, Gunter didn’t manage to get into as many attacking positions down the wing as he usually does, and on the day the more effective side of play seemed to come from Obita and McAnuff.

<strong>Alex Pearce – 7</strong>

Created a good centre back partnership with Gorkss, and provided good aerial support. Also enjoyed seeing his passion again at the end of the game along with McAnuff.

<strong>Kaspars Gorkss – 8</strong>

Looked completely dedicated to the cause at Vicarage Road, with a good defensive display and a cracking winning goal in the 5^th minute of the game. Okay, he slipped a couple of times, but he wasn’t the only player struggling with the ‘greasy pitch’ as the half time announcer discovered for himself. Gorkss made some great defensive blocks and also looked good in the air.

<strong>Jordan Obita – 8 </strong>

I wasn’t sure when I saw that our two usual candidates for left back were sitting on the bench, however, I thought Obita put in a brilliant display in this role. He looked confident and made some very clever defensive decisions. His crosses were good and dangerous, and the corner that led to the goal was perfect. Definitely his best performance in a Reading shirt.

<strong>Garath McCleary – 6</strong>

Just couldn’t seem to get into the game today, and seemed to suffer from the ‘greasy pitch syndrome’. Hopefully he can get back to his usual form for next weekend.

<strong>Danny Williams – 7</strong>

Looked strong in midfield, and won a lot of loose balls in the middle third of the pitch. I still don’t think we’ve seen Williams at his best though, but I am excited to see more of his spark and flare in the second half of the season.

<strong>Hope Akpan – 6</strong>

Did reasonably well considering this was his first start in the Championship, however, he wasn’t as influential on the game as Williams.

<strong>Jobi McAnuff – 9</strong>

Personally, McAnuff was my Man of the Match. Maybe it was because he was playing against his former club, but the winger looked comfortable in possession and looked threatening every time he was on the ball. I agree with Nigel Adkins when he said that McAnuff led the team well, and I believe that was his best performance in a Reading shirt for a very long time.

<strong>Pavel Pogrebnyak – 8</strong>

The Watford defenders just didn’t know what to do with him. His effort was 100% yet again, and he just seemed to be all over the pitch. There was a brilliant moment where he was running sandwiched between two Watford players. He stuck both of his elbows out and they both hit the ground as he carried on going. Just even more proof that he is one big Russian...

<strong>Adam le Fondre – 7</strong>

Did okay at Watford, and had a couple of attempts that were narrowly off target. He didn’t look like his usual self on the pitch however, and maybe his desire for a move or regular first team football is affecting his performance on the pitch.

<strong>Nick Blackman – 6

Shaun Cummings – 6

Jake Taylor – 6</strong>