Charlton Athletic 3-4 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 7

Although you can say he could have done better for Charlton's second and third goals, they weren't quite his fault. Kept Reading in the game in the second half with a string of good saves.

Chris Gunter: 5

Poor game from the Welshman, particularly in the second half when a number of Charlton attacks came down his flank. Didn't put enough pressure on the crosser to stop the delivery for Sanogo's second, and later beaten too easily by a long ball - resulting in Bergdich getting through on goal. That said, a block with his face in the first half - whilst already lying down on the ground - was a personal highlight of the match.

Paul McShane: 5

Sub-par display from the skipper today who should really be relied on to organise the shaky defensive performance we saw in the second half. Should have made it 3-1 in the first half with a header from Norwood's free kick.

Jake Cooper: 4

This might seem a harsh mark but, looking back at the highlights, Cooper was at fault for all three Charlton goals. Brushed off by Sanogo for the first, gifts the striker a free header for the second, and goes missing for the third - allowing the Arsenal loanee a tap-in after Al-Habsi's save.

Jordan Obita: 5

Not the worst of performances, but didn't do well against Gudmonsson, particularly in the first half when Charlton sent several attacks down his flank, resulting in a few chances that should have troubled Al-Habsi more. Not much attacking threat down the left, but did put in an excellent set piece for Rakels' winner.

Oliver Norwood: 6

Steady game in the middle of the park and kept things moving nicely. Could have been more influential but worked hard nonetheless.

Michael Hector: 5

A few nice touches but not domineering enough when Reading needed him to impose himself on the game. Hard to remember him having much of an impact.

Stephen Quinn: 7

Hard-working and industrious in the middle of the park, and is growing more accustomed to his role in the central three. In the first half in particular, he floated across the midfield intelligently, linking the play between defence, attack and flanks - helping John and Kermorgant do the damage.

Hal Robson-Kanu: 7

It says a lot that, despite not seeing too much of the ball, Robson-Kanu was still a very dangerous player against Charlton. Cut inside for a few shots from the left that could very well have gone in, and earned an assist for Kermorgant's second. Worked hard off the ball.

Yann Kermorgant: 8

An excellent game for the Frenchman, who notched two goals and an assist against his old club. Showed several sides of his attacking play with his contributions: a well-placed header to open the scoring, a curled shot with the inside of the boot from the edge of the area for his second, and a devastatingly incisive through-ball to set up Ola John. Apart from that, he was strong to hold up the play throughout the game, working hard even when others around him dropped off in the second half. Unlucky not to have a hat trick with a first half wonder strike that was ruled out for a handball in the build-up. Definitely his best game in a Reading shirt.

Ola John: 8

This was one of the harder marks to give, because John's first and second half performances didn't quite seem to match up. Up until around the 50th minute, John was electric, giving his full back a nightmare with his tricky, clever footwork. Set up Kermorgant for the opener, got one for himself at the end of the first half, and went very close at the start of the second. However, he did seem to fade a bit after that in tandem with Reading's overall slide. Nonetheless, his explosive opening 45 can't be ignored.

Substitutes

Danny Williams: 6

Introduced for Oliver Norwood midway through the second half, and got a good run out after his recent injury.

Garath McCleary: 5

Pretty anonymous display from the Jamaican, who's slipped well down the pecking order in recent weeks. Doesn't help that he's playing on his unfavoured left side, but it's hard to judge him positively when he's not getting into the game.

Deniss Rakels: N/A

I'd love to give him 10/10 for that goal alone, but Tilehurst End rules unfortunately mean his brief cameo doesn't get graded. Smart finish from a tight angle that, for me, brought back memories of a Le Fondre winner at Vicarage Road a few years ago. He's thrust himself right into Brian McDermott's plans now.

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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