Bristol City 2-3 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 5

At fault for the first goal with a dreadful pass. It was not the first time he had done it and he should have learnt his lesson. Passing from the back is admirable and key to the way we play, but sometimes you have to be pragmatic.

Chris Gunter: 7

Had it tough at times as he was regularly doubled up on by Scott Golbourne and Luke Freeman. Got well forward at the end of the game and was an important outlet when we needed to stretch City. Set up Kelly for the important first goal.

Paul McShane: 6

Struggled to cope with the impressive Tammy Abrahams, but his resolve helped calm the team when City had momentum. Was mostly good on the ball. One light hearted moment when he turned to laugh with the away fans when Abrahams dribbled the ball out of play.

Liam Moore: 6

Similar performance to McShane. I've seen him play better. His composure on the ball is vital to the way we play.

Tyler Blackett: 5

One of those games when he looks like a centre back playing at full back. His foul on Callum O'Dowda for the penalty was clumsy.

Joey van den Berg: 5

Poor old van den Berg looks out of sorts at the moment. He seems a fraction slower on the ball than his teammates and it was him who lost the ball in the build up to the penalty. To his credit he didn't hide and continued looking for the ball.

Danny Williams: 6

Never really got into the game. Had a few of his usual drives, but his lack of help in defence is a big reason why van den Berg looks so at lost when we're not in possession. Is it Williams or the tactics? Either way a bit more defensive work wouldn't go amiss.

John Swift: 6

Seemed to drift out wide a lot. Not a bad first game back from injury. He will need to do better though to keep Liam Kelly out of the team.

Garath McCleary: 6

Started on the wing but quickly moved up front. Another player who showed the occasional glimpses of what he is capable of without ever really getting going.

Yann Kermorgant: 9

What a performance. In the first half he came close with a header from outside the box and hit the bar. In the last 10 minutes he took the game by the scruff of the neck and won if for Reading. Only Trevor Morley and Jimmy Quinn can rival him for his heading and ability to use his experience for the good of the team.

Roy Beerens: 6

A typical Beerens display. A few wicked crosses and moments of indecisiveness which he should have done better with. Perhaps lucky to stay on ahead of McCleary. His eagerness to get on the ball as we went for the equaliser and then winner was a big reason behind us upping our tempo.

Substitutes

Jordan Obita: 6

Far more comfortable at full back than Blackett. Like Gunter hugged the touchline in the final third of the match, which helped drag City across the pitch and ultimately tire them out.

Liam Kelly: 8

Just like in the youth games I saw in 2013/14, he gets more impressive every time I watch him play. Transformed this game and right now deserves to start. Smart finish for our first goal and set up the second.

Yakou Méïte: N/A

Not on long enough to make an impact.

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: 6.2

Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:

6.7 - Preston North End H (W 1-0)

6.6 - Wigan Athletic A (W 3-0)

6.6 - Barnsley A (W 2-1)

5.9 - AVERAGE

5.0 - Leeds United A (L 0-2)

4.7 - Brentford A (L 1-4)

4.4 - Fulham A (L 0-5)