FA Cup Player Ratings: Al-Habsi Impresses In Goal, Norwood Struggles In The Midfield

Ali Al-Habsi: 8

After a shaky few weeks, Al-Habsi was back to his best against Palace and made numerous saves to keep the score at 0-0 from Bolasie, Adebayor, Jedinak and Cabaye. Maybe could have done better with the penalty which he got a hand to, but overall you can't criticise the Omani international who deserved a clean sheet.

Chris Gunter: 6

Kept Yannick Bolasie quiet in the first half, but was unable to contain him as the game progressed. Also struggled to get forward or get anything going down the right hand side Did well to block a Jedinak piledriver in the second half.

Paul McShane: 7

Led by example at the centre of defence and was strong in the air and in the tackle. You cannot fault McShane for his courage and determination, but was taken out of the game for Palace's second goal.

Jake Cooper: 7

Despite his red card, Cooper still gets a relatively high rating. I thought that before the incident he was one of Reading's best players and won everything in the air. Shouldn't feel too down about what happened, yes there was contact (minimal), but the youngster was the victim of Bolasie's acting skills.

Jordan Obita: 5

This is perhaps harsh on Obita because he had Wilfried Zaha to deal with, but the left-back couldn't get anywhere near the former Manchester United winger for the whole game. His pace was too much for him, and Obita had to get his fellow defenders and Al-Habsi to get him out of jail on occasions. Will only learn from this experience.

Michael Hector: 5

Looked nervous on the ball throughout. We've seen Hector come alive on the big stage before, but last night he went back into his shell. He lost possession far too easily with some sloppy touches and was guilty of waiting for the ball to come to him.

Hal Robson-Kanu: 6

Troubled the Palace defence on occasions, but his crosses rarely came to anything apart from John's diving header in the second half. HRK played as well as he has done in recent weeks, but just came up against a better defence.

Oliver Norwood: 5

Replicated his performance against West Brom minus the two assists. All of his deliveries didn't get past the first man, and he was weak on the ball to lose possession a number of times. One stunning first time pass on the volley to Vydra was not enought to bump his rating up.

Stephen Quinn: 6

Didn't do anything of particular note good or bad throughout the game. Had a couple of shots that didn't trouble Hennessey.

Ola John: 6

Had a lively first half in which he got past Joel Ward numerous times. Barely noticeable after the break as he tired quickly. Had Reading's two best chances of the game which he should have done better with.

Simon Cox: 6

As always, Cox worked tirelessly upfront by himself and never gave up on the ball. He was also involved in some good bits of link-up play, but in the end his efforts came to nothing and he was brought off at the hour mark.

Substitutes

Matej Vydra: 5

Clearly not back to full fitness yet. I barely Vydra when he came on, and he didn't have the attacking effect that McDermott hoped he would.

Danny Williams: 5

Disappointing from the American international who wasn't his usual self on the ball. Instead of charging forward like he usually does, he was unsure where to go, playing the ball backwards or sideways.

Deniss Rakels: N/A

Brought on in stoppage time but couldn't grab the equaliser that would have made him a Royals hero.

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