Reading FC 2-1 Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 7

A quiet night for the Omani, who barely had anything to do. Did very well to keep out an Osborn shot from range in the first half, and another effort from Lansbury in the second. Couldn't do much about the goal.

Chris Gunter: 7

Not troubled too much at the back, but got forward well, particularly in the first half when he overlapped Danny Williams a few times nicely.

Paul McShane: 7

Very solid performance again from McShane who kept Blackstock very quiet. Distribution again very good.

Jake Cooper: 7

Gradually getting better, and looked just as confident as McShane. No major slip-ups that I can remember, when those had been an annoying bad habit in recent weeks.

Jordan Obita: 7

Like Gunter he had little to do defensively, but bombed forward very well. Gave Reading width on the left, beating his man a few times and consistently managing to put in deliveries. A couple of those found the head of Kermorgant, although only one created a really good chance.

Oliver Norwood: 7

My man of the match, Norwood looked much more comfortable in this role at the base of the midfield. Playing in a deep position, he had plenty of time on the ball throughout the game to keep the ball moving, either long or short. Didn't have too many set-piece deliveries to make, but managed to create a first half chance for Paul McShane from a corner. Gets the assist for Vydra's deflection, and notched another Goal of the Season contender to win the game from distance.

Danny Williams: 6

Had two chances in the first half, but was mostly anonymous. Tidy and efficient on the ball.

Stephen Quinn: 6

Largely the same as Williams - decent enough game, but nothing special. Supported Obita well on the left wing.

Lucas Piazon: 6

Didn't really get into the game, but to my mind he looked that bit more creative than in recent weeks, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Workrate off the ball was better too. Clearly suited to this kind of role, playing at the top of a midfield diamond, rather than being shunted out wide. Would like to see him get more game time in this position.

Yann Kermorgant: 6

Led the line well, and managed to get a number of headers away from Obita's crosses. Almost scored with one in the first half, and could have done better with some in the second that went wide. It's lovely to see a Reading striker actually getting some service.

Simon Cox: 5

Bar a shot from the edge of the area that went wide in the first half, I'm not sure what Simon Cox contributed. Worked hard I suppose.

Substitutes

Matej Vydra: 6

Didn't do too much besides deflecting Norwood's shot into the net.

Ola John: 5

Basically Vydra but without the scoring a goal bit.

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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