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A 3-0 defeat; scores will not generally be high. The fact we had the better of proceedings for just over half the game, however, means very little as ultimately you're looking for leaders and character in adversity. The current Reading side has few and very little, and scores reflect that.
Adam Federici: 8
Pretty flawless and kept the scoreline to just a sound beating when it could so easily have been an absolute pasting. The fact he scores easily the highest in a 3-0 defeat speaks volumes for the rest of the performance.
Chris Gunter: 4
A willing runner as ever, typically poor in defence again (how often does he stop a cross?). Went walkabout on more than one occasion in the second half.
Jordan Obita: 5
On the flank generally solid, not much gets past him at all. Going forward ineffective, lost Pitman for the clinching third. Not up to his usual standard.
Alex Pearce: 4
Some comedic errors in hindsight, all heart and clearly hates losing, but expose him and you have half a chance.
Michael Hector: 3
His worst performance in a Reading shirt. Catastrophic errors 4 minutes apart cost us anything from the game. Needs to learn quickly.
Jamie Mackie: 5
An ever willing worker, he’s a grafter and somewhere in there is a decent player. Lacks an end product and the pace and trickery to do some real damage. Should have scored when he hit the post.
Nick Blackman: 4
Anonymous all game. Has gone off the boil in the last couple of games.
Oliver Norwood: 6
Controlled the midfield for 50 minutes. Passing game wasn’t quite up to scratch but seems to work better with Akpan alongside him.
Hope Akpan: 5
Typical Akpan: less than convincing with the ball but "put himself about" as best he could which is what he is there to do mainly.
Simon Cox: 6
Typical Cox game; all action looking to drop deep and create. Should have scored at 1-0, criminally hesitated when well placed.
Hal Robson-Kanu: 4
Anonymous. Failed to impose himself on the game at all.
Subs:
Jake Taylor: 5
Neat and tidy in possession but didn’t affect the pattern of the game.
Pavel Pogrebnyak: 1
The most shallow, single-minded, selfish substitute’s performance I have ever witnessed. May as well have just stood on the centre spot for the 10 minutes he was on. But he picked up his appearance fee which’ll please him...