Reading FC 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Player Ratings

Al Habsi - 6

One excellent save in the first-half that was caused by his own distribution error. Not much to do otherwise.

Chris Gunter - 5

With the five at the back he plays a crucial role going forward but he was hardly involved yesterday which meant the team rarely attacked down the right side. We lacked width and he’s to blame for this.

Liam Moore - 8

Dominated Joao and Nuhiu from start to finish. The Fulham game proved his worth, as did today – you won’t find many who thought we would have walked away with three points if it wasn’t for him. Also made a number of crucial blocks and started a few attacks with some impressive long range passes.

Tyler Blackett - 6

Again looked more comfortable in the five at the back but his over confidence on the ball almost cost Reading in the first half – where he gave Ross Wallace a chance to test out his left foot. There is room for improvement but he does look a good fit when playing alongside Moore and McShane.

Paul McShane - 7

Not quite as in control as Moore but it was the sort of performance we have come to expect from the skipper – puts his body on the line, wins his share of headers, and looks at home when on the ball. Should have done better with a header off a McCleary free kick.

Jordan Obita - 6

Often involved and now keeps the ball very well, rarely misplacing passes, but didn’t fulfil his role. He, like Gunter, has to offer more penetration and get more balls into the box. We have seen how dangerous Samuel can be in the six-yard box – it is up to the full backs to utilise this. Struggled at times against the small, and irritating, Wallace.

George Evans - 6

Made too many sideways passes, focusing on just keeping possession. With Samuel and McCleary playing he should be looking to play more threatening, attacking, balls. Too often he doesn’t take risks and it hurts the team – he didn’t create one attacking chance.

Joey Van den Berg - 4

He is looking more and more out of place in this team who move the ball quickly and retain possession. Such a limited player due to his inability to use his right foot, or know how much space he is in. He got caught out regularly when on the ball and it made it a nervy experience watching him on the ball. Also tried an infuriating amount of Pirlo-esque passes which more than often end in the crowd.

Roy Beerens - 7

Although he was lucky with the first goal he did hit it very sweetly and it looked goal bound before the deflection. Fantastic calm finish for the second. Proved his worth again - he is now such a key player in this formation and did a brilliant job linking the midfield and attack. The team would benefit from him taking on his full back more as he usually creates chances when he does.

Garath McCleary - 5

This was one of Gareth’s most disappointing games of the season. For one reason or the other he was hardly involved which meant we offered little threat down the right hand side. It seems that teams realise he is our danger man going forward and we may see him struggle to get on the ball more over the coming weeks.

Dom Samuel - 5

Made lots of clever runs but very rarely got picked out which was a shame. He was not involved much, though it would be harsh to blame this all on him.

Substitutes

Yann Kermorgant - 7

Seems like he suits the five at the back, and at the very least he offers a sound plan B. The second goal proved how useful he can be, and also shows that Stam shouldn’t be too anti using ‘route one’ every now and again. Was also vital in dealing with the Wednesday hoofs into the box.

Liam Kelly - 6

Great pass for the Mendes chance...

Joseph Mendes - 4

Horrific miss which highlighted why we haven’t seen much of him so far.