Reading FC 2-0 Plymouth Argyle: Player Ratings

Anssi Jaakkola: 6

The Finnish keeper had no real opportunities to show what he could do given such weak opposition but his distribution was largely fine and he collected a couple of balls well.

Tennai Watson: 7

An impressive night from the youngster who showed why he's been trusted with a start at just 19 years old. He played primarily down the right and after some early instructions from Jaap Stam on the touchline he really grew into the game with some good tackles and accurate passes. Not an outstanding night going forward but with plenty of players in front of him, he didn't need to be.

Joey van den Berg: 7

This was a rating that caused me a fair bit of strife because while defensively he was far closer to a 6, he did get a goal and you can't under estimate the importance of getting yourselves in front early on in a cup tie. It's already clear from two games that the man isn't a centre-back but like Michael Carrick at Manchester United, he can do a job there. His somewhat causal approach to passing will probably get him into trouble at some stage this season but once in midfield that risk should be more limited.

Jake Cooper: 6

Steady but unspectacular from Cooper who did all of the dirty stuff well but failed to show he's comfortable playing the 'Stam way' Still has plenty of time to improve his game and at times we'll need a strong defender like Cooper to hold off more physical sides but he's got work to do on the technical side of his game if he wants to be a regular in this system.

Chris Gunter: 7

Mr Reliable again as the Captain on the night put in a good showing down the left-hand side. Played a big part in the second goal and rode some nasty looking challenges early in the second-half without letting it impact his game. I hope we can keep him at the club but the chance to cash in and Gunter's own ambitions might just lead him to move on.

George Evans: 7

Not given too many problems by Plymouth's attacking lineup but he kept the play ticking over very well and looks a much more assured presence than the one we saw fleetingly last season. A player with plenty of potential, long may his progress continue.

Danny Williams: 6

Williams couldn't emulate the high standard he showed against Preston and sadly there was a glimpse of the 'bad' Danny when he greedily shot on goal when he had better options around him in the second-half. One of the players who really took their foot off the gas after going 2-0 up but given his efforts on Saturday and the challenges to come, that was understandable.

John Swift: 7

An excellent display from Swift and if his first-half creativity and drive had continued for 90 minutes this would have been an 8/10. Alongside Roy Beerens, he looks like the player most likely to make something happen and his delivery for the opening goal was excellent. Like Williams, I could understand the easing off in the second-half but his challenge now is to show he can deliver against stronger sides.

Roy Beerens: 7

As mentioned, Beerens looks a man that can make something happen out of nowhere. My TTE Podcast co-host Jonny remarked how he seems like Glen Little at times, happy to take his man on, beat him, then do him again. That mentality cost Beerens a goal after he overcooked a 1-on-1 but he made up for it minutes later with a tidy finish for his first Reading goal. Keeping him fit and motivated will be a challenge for Stam but if he can, we could have a real matchwinner on our hands.

Yann Kermorgant: 6

Quiet night for the former Charlton man who struggled to get himself in the game. Made some tidy passes and put himself about the pitch but he'll need to do better than that if he's going to be our main striker this season.

Callum Harriott: 5

A sadly underwhelming full debut from Harriott who unlike Beerens, struggled to impose himself on a weak Plymouth side. Flair players like Harriott are always going to have off days and given he's only been training for a week here, you could understand some nerves but Callum will be annoyed he didn't make more of an impact given the lively cameo of his replacement...

Substitutes

Yakou Méïte: 6

As above, Meitie had a lively 30 minutes on the pitch, showing his pace and power, allbeit with little to show from it. He's exactly the type of player you want around the squad because he's got something different and against a tiring opposition or away from home on the break, he could be a good weapon for Stam to use.

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: 6.3

Three best and worst performances from 2015/2016

7.5 - Ipswich Town H (W 5-1)

6.9 - Brentford A (W 3-1)

6.9 - Bristol City A (W 2-0)

6.0 - AVERAGE

5.2 - Huddersfield Town H (D 2-2)

5.1 - Nottingham Forest (L 1-3)

4.6 - Birmingham City H (L 0-2)

Season's Ratings: