Reading FC 3-1 Norwich City: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 5

Although he could do little with the goal I thought this was Al-Habsi back to his jittery worst. There have been times this season where I have marvelled at how much his distribution has improved, this was not one of those days.

As the guy who can see the whole picture he has to judge whether the short goal kick is on or not. He played players into horrible positions all day and when he did go long he often put it out of play or into the wrong areas.

Chris Gunter: 6

Classic Chris Gunter performance. Did his job fairly well defensively and get forward well but without much effect. Almost scored a sweet left curler.

Paul McShane: 6

Threw his body in the way of everything, even after an early injury.

Liam Moore: 7

Most good defenders go unnoticed and you say they have had a good game. Liam Moore is a defender who you notice as he consistently reminds you how good he is either with a strong header or a great piece of positional play.

Undoubtedly a future Premier League player and if he is here long enough a future captain.

Tyler Blackett: 5

Given a lot to do early on when left exposed but grew into the game. He has shown he can be an impressive CB in a back three and an adequate LB. Has been an astute signing.

Joey Van Den Berg: 4

Marked out of the game for the most of his time on the pitch and was probably lucky not to get sent off after a few 'naughty' tackles.

Danny Williams: 5

Isn't greatly suited to our possession based football as his first touch can't be trusted and he rarely picks the right pass but he comes into his own in games like this second half.

Has the stamina to get up and down the pitch in the last 10 minutes against tired opposition and with space to run into he is brilliant. Very interested to see what happens in January.

Liam Kelly: 6

He is positionally excellent, can man-mark and mark zonally very well and is tenacious in the tackle. We knew from his youth football that he is a good passer and he can take free-kicks but it is his all round ability that impress me everytime I see him. Already looks comfortable at this level.

Garath McCleary: 6

Didn't have his usual impact on the ball in this match but he is much more efficient this season that we have probably ever seen and took his goal well.

Roy Beerens: 5

Mixed the good and bad in this match but had a key moment with that dribble that lead to the first goal.

Yann Kermorgant: 7

A great return to the side for Yann, penalty aside. Such a clever footballer on the ball and his ability in the air allowed us to bypass Norwich's high press. May not get to 20 or even 15 goals this season but he is key player.

Substitutes

George Evans: 6

Solid when he came on, may not have the x-factor excitement that JVDB can bring to the game but he is a calming influence on the pitch even at a young age.

John Swift: 7

Great to see him back out of the pitch and back with a lovely assist. The fact we have performed so well without him should not hide how import a player he is.

Callum Harriott: N/A

Doesn't score tap-ins.

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: 5.8

Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:

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

6.6 - Wigan Athletic A (W 3-0)

6.6 - Barnsley A (W 2-1)

5.9 - AVERAGE

5.0 - Leeds United A (L 0-2)

4.7 - Brentford A (L 1-4)

4.4 - Fulham A (L 0-5)

Season's Ratings (click for a larger version):