Reading FC 1-2 Aston Villa: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 5

Made a couple of smart saves but was quiet elsewhere. Struggled a lot with his passing side of the game, almost gifting Bacuna the chance to make it 2-0 early in the second half.

Chris Gunter: 5

Part of a defence that was sixes and sevens for the first goal. Maybe could have tracked his man but the whole team's positioning was dreadful. Over enthusiastic in the build up for the second goal when he closed down McCormack high up the pitch and was exposed as three tiring teammates went ball watching.

Liam Moore: 6

Solid game again from the former Leicester defender but he'll be disappointed to concede the penalty. Like VDB dealt with Gestede well.

Joey Van Den Berg: 5

Had an OK game but for me he doesn't suit the centre back role. Dives into challenges too much in defence, but him and Moore dealt with the threat of Gestede well, as I can't recall him having a notable chance in the game at all. Would like to see him back in defensive midfield when McShane is back in the side.

Tyler Blackett: 5

Couldn't get going at all. I remember Blackett having a solid start to his Reading career, but since the Brighton red card a few weeks ago, his performance levels seem to have dropped. Obita must be pushing for a start in the next couple of games.

George Evans: 7

The youngster's work often goes unnoticed in the defensive midfield role, but he does all of the nitty-gritty work on the pitch very well. Has an eye for a pass which has become more noticeable in the past few games. Promising.

Danny Williams: 6

Worked hard and showed his usual passion. Will he now be off penalty duty?

John Swift: 6

Quiet game for Swift. Pulled the strings well in the first half, creating a chance for McCleary, but we saw more of Swift's defensive side, as Villa often tried to hit Reading on the counter attack.

Garath McCleary: 7

Looked a constant threat against Cissokho and won the penalty which levelled the scores. Only criticism is that I feel he could have tracked his man more which led to the penalty late on.  I really feel that we are seeing the McCleary we looked forward to seeing every week a few seasons ago.

Yann Kermorgant: 6

I felt that he had a solid game today. We all know that he needs another striker to feed off his flicks ons, but I felt he had a good game last night. Can't fault his work rate up there and took his goal extremely well.

Roy Beerens: 5

Was his usual self, beat his man a lot in the first half, but his end product often lets him down. Hutton kept him quiet in the second half. Frustrating to see him "bottle out" of challenges at times. I felt that Harriott would have been the stronger choice for the last half an hour.

Substitutes

Danzell Gravenburch: N/A

Wasn't on for long enough to make an impact. Would have liked to see Samuel come on instead of him up front and a lot earlier than when this substitution was made.

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.

Average Rating: 5.7

Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:

6.7 - Preston North End H (W 1-0)

6.6 - Brighton & Hove Albion (W 2-1)

6.6 - Barnsley A (W 2-1)

5.9 - AVERAGE

5.5 - MK Dons H (D 2-2)

5.2 - Wolverhampton Wanderers A (L 0-2)

4.7 - Brentford A (L 1-4)

Season's Ratings: