Reading FC 1-0 Charlton Athletic: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 6

Rarely tested on a very quiet afternoon for the Omani international. There was the odd save from range to make, but nothing too testing. Performed all the basics well enough, and a second successive clean sheet will have been a big boost to his confidence.

Chris Gunter: 7

Like the rest of the defence, Gunter wasn't up against the biggest challenge he'll face this season, but he performed his defensive duties well. Gets marked up to a seven for his attacking runs down the right, particularly in the second half.

Michael Hector: 7

Charlton barely got a sniff of goal on Saturday, and that was to a great degree down to the impressive pairing of Hector and McShane. The Jamaican was alert as ever, and composed on the ball.

Paul McShane: 7

Similar comments to those for Hector can be given for McShane, who did his bit quieting down most threats from the visitors that came his way. Showed some slightly wayward passing in the first half, but recovered well in the second.

Jordan Obita: 6

Another steady performance from the defender, who looks very much at home in this Reading side. That said, with Ola John a natural winger playing ahead of him, I might have hoped for less restraint in his attacking runs.

Aaron Tshibola: 6

Provided the brawn to Norwood's brain as effectively as he has this season, keeping pressure on the Charlton midfield effectively. There was a noticeable unwillingness to try any overly ambitious passes - instead leaving those to Norwood - but Tshibola kept things tidy.

Oliver Norwood: 6

Moved the ball about well enough, but he didn't seem to influence the game as much as he has. Reading needed to control the game and set the tempo on Saturday - which Norwood should have been instrumental in - but that never really seemed to kick in. I was also disappointed by his set pieces which didn't give the Charlton 'goalie much to worry about.

Nick Blackman: 7

This would have been a six for Blackman, but the league's top scorer (no, really!) again managed to up his score with an important goal. His performance was quite representative of Reading's - efficient enough for the most part, but too quiet to cause much damage, then suddenly popping up to do the business.

The thing is - he's wasted out on the right wing. It's understandable that Steve Clarke played him there, considering the unavailability/unsuitability of other options, but really we should be molding the team around Blackman playing up front. He can only be so dangerous out wide - where his shooting opportunities tend to be well-hit efforts from range - as was shown on Saturday.

Lucas Piazon: 6

It's hard to know what to think of Lucas Piazon, who has undoubted talent. Technically, he's a very good footballer, and will very probably go on to have a very good career, but it's not really working out that well for him here. Against Charlton, he showed the odd flash of skill but largely struggled to get into the match. That said, he delivered when he needed to, sending over a pinpoint cross for Blackman to bury. This was a chance for Piazon to cement his place in the side whilst others are injured but, well, he didn't take it.

Ola John: 6

In contrast, I see a lot more potential in Ola John. Whereas Piazon is technical and clever, John is energetic and direct. He tried to show that on Saturday, but similarly didn't put his mark on the game. Looked bright in the early stages, including a clever move that ended with him blasting his shot over the bar, but faded as the game went on.

Orlando Sa: 6

To be honest I can't remember him doing that much. With Blackman, Piazon and John the supporting players, Sa needed to give Reading some presence in the final third, and let others play off him. In truth, he didn't manage that, and didn't have enough of an impact on the game to put the home side on the front foot.

Substitutes

Danny Williams: 6

Replaced Aaron Tshibola in the 70th minute, but didn't offer anything different to the youngster.

Garath McCleary: 6

Came on for Ola John, also in the 70th minute, and had a similarly weak impact on the match.

Alex Fernandez: N/A

An 86th minute substitute for Lucas Piazon. Didn't have enough time to warrant a score.

Who was YOUR man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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