Sunderland 1-3 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone: 7

A confident and assured performance from Reading’s number one. Not called into action a great deal due to the quality of the defence but, when he was, made his contributions count. Went the right way for the penalty and was unlucky.

Leandro Bacuna: 7

Once again playing in his usual right back position, Bacuna’s constant interceptions and tackles meant that Sunderland didn’t have any luck penetrating the Reading area in the first half. Conceded the second half penalty poorly but fortunately it didn’t see the Black Cats come back into the match.

Chris Gunter: 7

Was a standard game from the reliable full back. Not quite as pivotal as Bacuna, but had less to do. Barely a foot wrong.

Paul McShane: 7

Taking on the role of ball-playing defender, McShane’s attacking drives into the centre of the pitch unsettled the opposition early on and set the tone for the match. An inspiring leader.

Liam Moore: 6

While not the best Reading player on the pitch (for once!), Moore was the defensive balance for a more attacking McShane, and performed coolly and professionally.

Dave Edwards: 5

While missing an open goal in the first half would be enough to justify a poor match rating, Edwards was generally lacklustre and suffered from a poor first touch. Scored the opening goal in the second half but arguably was just right place, right time. Probably lucky to be in the team due to injuries, not sure he would be if John Swift was around.

Joey van den Berg: 6

Competent showing from van den Berg, who showed more when pushing upfield for Reading. Little to distinguish him from the rest of the side, but deserves above average rating.

Liam Kelly: 6

Trying to be John Swift’s equivalent but unfortunately falling short. Despite not being as creative, still a good link option in the centre and worked tirelessly to prevent Sunderland having time on the ball.

Sone Aluko: 7

Some decent runs in the first half to create attacks and showing off some flair. Earned a booking for reacting poorly to a foul, but only a minor flaw in a generally good game.

Modou Barrow: 8

My man of the match. Like Aluko, he created some good runs on the left flank in the first period. Scored twice in the second half to ensure victory for The Royals, and deserves the Man of the Match award for his marked improvement in recent weeks.

Yann Kermorgant: 6

An unremarkable match for the centre forward, although not surprising due to his recent return from injury. Worked well in the air but will need to get some end product soon to justify selection.

Subs

Roy Beerens: 6

Only spent fifteen minutes on the pitch, and didn’t have a lot of time to produce anything. Given the form of Aluko and Barrow, he will need to work hard every second he gets to earn his place back in the team.

Pelle Clement: 5

On the pitch for the same time as Beerens, but made a few errors which won’t have helped his morale. Still new to the English game so understandable form but will need to show improvement sooner or later.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: N/A

Not enough time on the pitch to rate.

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