Reading 2-2 Cardiff City - Player Ratings

Vito Mannone 7

His far-and-few-between faults were outweighed by a stellar performance by Reading’s No. 1. No blame could really be attached to either goal, but more attention should be drawn to some terrific saves in the first half which kept Cardiff from scoring earlier then they did.

Leandro Bacuna 6

Perhaps tired of being stuck in defence, Bacuna showed his attacking side as he combined well with winger Sone Aluko in this game, and is becoming more and more used to the wing back role he has been given this season.

Paul McShane 5

A dodgy clearance in the first half which could have led to a Cardiff goal, but the skipper was generally efficient as a shot-stopper ahead of Mannone in goal, and deterred Mendez-Laing amongst others throughout the game to prevent a concession. Could have done more to prevent the first Cardiff goal.

Liam Moore 6

Despite 95% of the chants seemingly about Liam Moore, the much-lauded defender played a ‘back office’ role on Monday night, happy to assist McShane. By no means a bystander, however, as his attendance in the backline ensured that most of the game survived the onslaught of the Cardiff attack.

Chris Gunter 5

Like Bacuna, he spent his time getting forward again, but perhaps had less of an impact than his counterpart on the other side of the field as he struggled to make a name for himself. Tireless in his propensity to move around the pitch, he has become a peripheral figure when compared to others.

Liam Kelly 6

While the corners in themselves weren’t collector’s items, the fact that the first one caused enough indecision to result in an own goal deserves some applause. And Kelly walks away with a brace of assists to his name. More than this was a return of last season’s Liam, with a never-say-die attitude to chasing the ball when out of possession, and moving quickly with it when in possession.

David Edwards 5

He’s no Danny Williams, but is certainly more than just a number. Proved to be a useful link-man in the centre of the park, but could have made more of his opportunities throughout the game. An improving character no doubt, but perhaps not fast enough.

Joey van den Berg 6

Played a significant role for most of the match by dropping back in between the centre-backs when not in possession to create a solid back three, as well as using his physicality to disrupt opposing attacks.

Sone Aluko 6

While perhaps overshadowed by his goalscoring neighbour on the other side of the pitch, Reading’s record signing certainly played a role, with good combinations between him and Bacuna providing a pacey alternative alongside the slower Yann Kermorgant.

Modou Barrow 7

Following on from a brilliant display against Sunderland two weeks ago, the winger is once again showing that he is more than just a winger. With a powerful shot to score the goal, as well as a few tricks up his sleeves that evoke memories of ‘Berkshire Barca’ again, Barrow is once again my MOTM.

Yann Kermorgant 6

With other players providing the goals this campaign, Yann Kermorgant is enjoying a more defensive role up front, holding up the ball and using his strength rather than pace to get forward. His impact is felt in a deeper position than your average frontman, but he makes his selection count.

Subs:

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson N/A

Adrian Popa N/A

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