Reading 3-2 Brentford: Player Ratings

With five goals and a lead that changed three times, the game was undeniably a frantic one. So let's have a look at who managed to keep their head in a real breathtaking barnstormer of a match.

Ali Al Habsi: 7

More than made up for the odd scare that he gave us during the second half by keeping us in the game during the first. As the Brentford attacking onslaught came, the Omani international proved once again what an asset he has become to the Royals defence, keeping his cool whilst those around him had appeared to lose theirs.

Jordan Obita: 6

The left-back's return to form continued tonight, maintaining his decent run of performances over the last few games. As well as providing a pacy attacking outlet down the left-hand side, his defensive work tonight was leaps and bounds ahead of what we were seeing earlier in the season.

Liam Moore: 6

The usually dependable Moore looked at times a bit uneven amidst a nervy defensive line. A solid performance overall though and never looked like he was in any serious trouble.

Tyler Blackett: 5

After one of his strongest performances of the season against Barnsley, Blackett seemed out of sorts against the Brentford front line this evening. Once he had made a couple of mistakes, his confidence seemed to be totally shaken, leading to a series of scuffs and miskicks that left both him, and some of his teammates, visibly frustrated. Hopefully he can shake this performance off and get back to his best ahead of the next game.

Chris Gunter: 6

Reliable as ever. Given the fact that he had the armband for the evening though, he could arguably have done a better job trying to calm his defence during the barrage of Brentford attacks that arrived towards the end of the first half and continued throughout the first majority of the second.

Danny Williams: 6

Looked ill-at-ease as a wing-back and came back into his own once he reverted back to his usual central-midfield position. A trademark surging run into the box saw him bring us level, giving him a goal that may save him from of the criticism that he was audibly receiving from certain sections of the Mad Stad during his unconvincing first-half display.

Jordon Mutch: 6

After a bright start to the game, he began to drift slightly into the background as things progressed. He never looked miles off the pace, but it could be said that he is still lacking somewhat on the match fitness front, a fact reflected in a very tired and dangerous push in the box on a Brentford attacker that could easily have seen the Bees awarded a penalty just before half-time.

Liam Kelly: 6

Gave exactly the sort of doggedly determined performance to which we have all become accustomed and continue to appreciate from the Academy graduate. However, he struggled to make an impact with his passing game as he has done in other outings this season.

John Swift: 6

Showed the attacking skill and intuition that we all know he possesses when he popped up with the opening goal, but once again put in the type of performance that have left many fans viewing the former Chelsea man as a luxury to have on the pitch. Appeared reluctant to get stuck into the Brentford midfield on more than one occasion and his more leisurely defensive approach was not what was needed when trying to protect a 1-0 lead. Should have probably been replaced by Evans earlier than he was.

Gareth McCleary: 7

Always looked dangerous when going forward, and got a real second wind when moved back onto his natural right-wing position after the introduction of Kermorgant. His pace and delivery were at their most potent in the wide position, and it is there that he made much of an impact tonight.

Lewis Grabban: 6

Like fellow January signing Mutch, match fitness could still be a factor to take into consideration given his lengthy spell outside of the Bournemouth first team. However, he showed glimpses of his quality with some deft footwork and a delightful first touch, which should fill us all with hope that he will be back in the goals soon.

Substitutes:

Yann Kermorgant ('73): 7

Appeared every bit the talisman that the Royals had been missing when he came on. Caused trouble up top, held the ball up well, and provided an aerial threat at both ends of the pitch, something that was vital as we were hanging on at the end. Proved his importance to the team, and Stam may be hard pressed to leave him out again.

Roy Beerens ('73): 7

An equally impressive cameo, running the tired Brentford defence ragged and displaying his natural attacking instinct by following up Kermorgant's ambitious long-range effort to snatch victory for the team. Again, could be pressing for a start against Huddersfield, but is proving himself to be quite the impact sub.

George Evans ('73): 6

A much needed calming influence in a chaotic midfield, which instantly looked more stable and structured after his introduction. Allowed Williams more freedom to move forward, which of course proved invaluable as the American went on to score the equaliser.