Reading FC 0-2 Birmingham City: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 5

Apart from the two goals, Al-Habsi had a reasonably quiet afternoon. Unlucky with the second goal after a good first save from the initial free kick.

Chris Gunter: 5

A very bizarre decision from McDermott to substitute Gunter for McCleary in the second half. Got forward but didn't have much support due to the narrow diamond formation.

Paul McShane: 5

Ended up being Reading's main goal threat in the first half and saw a couple of headers go close.

Jake Cooper: 4

After a couple of good performances, it felt like Cooper took a couple of steps back today. He looked shaky and made a couple of mistimed tackles.

Jordan Obita: 5

Again like Gunter, Obita's ability to get forward didn't suit the diamond formation in midfield. Maybe should have done better for the first goal.

Oliver Norwood: 4

Had an effort that sailed over the bar in the second half but apart from that, Norwood was ineffective and his passing was poor.

Danny Williams: 5

Was pushed off the ball far too easily a few times which is unlike him. Moved out to the right of the diamond when McCleary came on but that position just isn't his best.

Stephen Quinn: 5

One of the only players who actually looked half bothered. He ran around a lot but wasn't rewarded for his efforts.

Lucas Piazon: 4

Poor first half and much like Cox was non-existent. Not much effort, blazed a two-yard effort over the bar and was right to be substituted at half time.

Yann Kermorgant: 5

Just didn't get the service to even create half a chance in an afternoon which I imagine was horrendously frustrating for him.

Simon Cox: 4

He didn't even really do his speciality of running around this week. Unnoticable.

Substitutes

Matej Vydra: 4

Didn't make any kind of impact when he came on. His second half performance probably sums up his whole season - unspectacular.

Garath McCleary: 5

As if McCleary replaced an uninjured Gunter to play at right back?!

Ola John: N/A

Not on the pitch long enough to make an impact.

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