Reading FC 5-1 Ipswich Town: Player Ratings

Jonathan Bond: 6

The Sky pundits felt he might have made the save in the lead up to the Ipswich goal with the wrong hand but I feel that's a little harsh. Didn't have much to do.

Chris Gunter: 7

Quiet game going forward but did well to contain Ipswich's most dangerous player, Ryan Fraser, after the equaliser. Mick McCarthy's decision to take Fraser off was a testament to a good night's work for the Welshman.

Paul McShane: 6

His first half performance was a five. He looked out of sorts, being caught out of position, giving the ball away and being turned for fun by Ipswich. A true professional can turn around his performance within a game and McShane did that in the second half.

Anton Ferdinand: 7

Beaten in the air a few times but generally looked fairly solid. One excellent piece of defending in the first half stopped a dangerous Ipswich counter attack which had left the centre backs alone against two forwards.

Jordan Obita: 7

The Reading left side looks rejuvenated and Obita is clearly enjoying being part of a team that is no longer lopsided away from his flank. Never troubled defensively and linked up well with Quinn when he got forward.

Nick Blackman: 9

Two superb assists and a goal that showed the confidence he has now. He looked dangerous every time he got on the ball. Clarke has recognised his deficiencies, getting teammates to cover for him defensively, but shown his faith in him by giving him the freedom to wander. He's certainly repaying that at the moment.

Aaron Tshibola: 7

A miscued clearance led to the Ipswich goal but the defence had plenty of time to recover the situation. Still looks raw at times but already looks comfortable at Championship level. Finished the game very strongly, breaking up Ipswich attacks and driving forward in a manner Danny Williams would have been proud of.

Oliver Norwood: 9

The pass of the season, the goal of the season and he started the counter attack for Sa's crucial second goal. Such performances make a mockery of the Huddersfield fans who laughed when we signed him and showed why not signing Nathaniel Chalobah was the correct decision.

Stephen Quinn: 8

Easily his best game in a Reading shirt. He was a real threat going forward, linking up well with the strikers and always tidy in possession without playing it safe. He was overshadowed by Blackman, Norwood and Sa but his performance would have been highly praised by fans at a normal game.

Matěj Vydra: 7

At times struggled to get into the game but there were promising signs of him already developing a good understanding with Blackman and Sa. I was impressed by his willingness to drop deep and support the defence. Will get better.

Orlando Sa: 9

Take away the goals and Sa has played better this season; but goals win you games and his were a wonderful range: a great header and run, a lovely drive from the edge of the box and a poacher's finish inside the six yard box. He looked delighted not to have to drop deep and able to play on the last man.

Substitutes

Lucas Piazon: N/A

The game was over by the time he came off the bench.

Ola John: N/A

Replaced Blackman on the right wing which meant last night Garath McCleary was our third choice right winger. Read that and weep Championship defences. Looked pacy.

Hal Robson-Kanu: N/A

Perhaps a tad unlucky to be dropped after Brentford. His body language showed a player who knows he will have to work hard to get back into the team.

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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