clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Rotherham United 0-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

A much needed win down in South Yorkshire, but it's the goalkeeper who gets the well deserved recognition.

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Ali Al Habsi: 8

The Omani international made some unbelievable saves throughout the game, most notably denying Richard Wood from point blank range after a long throw in from Greg Halford. The save gets better and better every time I see it, so its well worth a watch. Without him Reading could have easily lost this game.

Chris Gunter: 6

Made good runs attacking wise, especially towards the end of the game, but was caught far too easily defensively which allowed Danny Ward to get in behind and have shots on goal. However the Welshman did put a few good crosses into the box, which caused the Rotherham defence all sorts of problems.

Liam Moore: 6

A solid performance from the centre back helping his side keep a clean sheet for the first time since the 1-0 win over Huddersfield in September. However he did have a few problems in dealing with the long balls that Rotherham put into the box. However did make a few vital blocks to keep the scores level.

Joey van den Berg: 7

Once moved forward into the holding role, Van Den Berg provided the height and physicality that Reading lacked when Liam Kelly was playing in that role. He also did a terrific job at breaking play up and winning the penalty.

Jordan Obita: 6

Did okay throughout, occasionally joining forward in the attacks. But he did get caught a few times which did allow the Rotherham strikers to get in behind.

Liam Kelly: 4

Everyone including me was surprised when it was announced Kelly was starting. He may have looked good in possession but his lack of height was causing Reading too many problems. Tough on the youngster, but it was the right call to take him off.

Danny Williams: 6

Was solid defensively and worked hard, but occasionally his decision making let him down.

John Swift: 5

A quiet afternoon for the midfielder who didn't really have much impact in the game apart from hitting the crossbar and having a few shots that were off target.

Garath McCleary: 6

Looked dangerous occasionally with the occasional shots that he had and crosses, however he had a glorious chance to put Reading front from the penalty spot but he blew it. Luckily it didn't cost his team three points.

Yann Kermorgant: 6

Had a decent game and work rate was brilliant, but once again failed to find the back of the net.

Roy Beerens: 7

Was his usual self beating defenders, however I thought his end product was better compared to previous weeks. He got the assist for the goal with his cross shot being palmed away by Rotherham goalkeeper Lee Camp and finding its way to Paul McShane who poked home.

Substitutes

Paul McShane: 8

Coming on as an early substitute, McShane provided more solidarity in the Reading defence. He provided the extra height that Reading were lacking and was there when his team needed him. However he got the all important goal that saw off Rotherham in the 86th minute of the game. A vital goal in Reading's season.

George Evans: N/A

Not enough time to make an impact.

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: 6.3

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:

Player Ratings pst-Rotherham