Newcastle United 4-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 6

Not sure he could have done much about any of the goals, apart from the penalty which he was unlucky not to stop. Made a couple of decent saves to deny Newcastle further goals.

Chris Gunter: 6

Pretty unlucky to concede a penalty, 95% of the time those aren't given. Much more freedom down the wing compared to Saturday.

Paul McShane: 5

Passing across the back wasn't as shaky as the previous game, although made some predictable passes which Newcastle easily dealt with.

Joey van den Berg: 5

Again, an improvement from the Wolves match but still work to be done with Jaap Stam's system.

Jordan Obita: 6

A smart defensive performance from Obita, thinking about where he was placing the ball rather than just hoofing it up the pitch. Like Gunter, he was unlucky to concede the foul which led to Newcastle's first goal as it could have been argued that it was a foul against the left back.

George Evans: 5

Still making improvements every game he plays and I think with the signing of Weiser it will add some competition to the role. However, a tired mistimed tackle resulted in Newcastle's third goal.

Newcastle 4-1 Reading: Match Report

Even after a much improved performance the Royals suffered their second defeat in five days on Wednesday at the hands of Newcastle.

Danny Williams: 6

Looked strong in midfield, made some effective interceptions (some not so much) and had a couple of efforts on goal. I still think he's a vital link in our midfield.

John Swift: 5

Another quiet game for Swift, but we've seen what he's capable of and hopefully there's more to come.

Roy Beerens: 6

Looked lively down the wing and gave us a glimpse of the pace he's known for. Unfortunate to see a cracking effort come bouncing off the bar in the first half.

Yann Kermorgant: 5

I'm never sure whether I like seeing Kermorgant up front on his own. He holds the ball up well but there always seems to be that missing link of someone to pass it to. Still not a bad performance overall.

Garath McCleary: 7

Had a great game down the wing, running at players and creating chances. Excellent penalty and was unlucky not to get awarded a second.

Substitutes

Yakou Méïte: N/A

Joseph Mendes: N/A

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: 5.6

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: