Aston Villa 1-3 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Ali Al-Habsi: 6

Didn't have much to do during the game apart from making one save down to his right in the first half. Looked comfortable when called upon.

Chris Gunter: 6

Did his best to contain to Albert Adomah, who did cause some problems, but he coped well. Hardly put a foot wrong throughout the game.

Liam Moore: 7

Back to his best following the 7-1 loss at Norwich last week. Made some vital blocks to deny Jonathan Kodjia. Very calm and composed when in possession.

Tyler Blackett: 6

Similar to Moore, in terms of being calm when in possession and making vital tackles. One of his better games in a Reading shirt.

Adrian Popa: 6

A quiet game for the Romanian, but he did his job at wing back. Made a key contribution to the second goal, with a wonderful through pass to Lewis Grabban. With a few more games, Popa will hopefully turn out to be a successful signing.

Jordan Obita: 6

A very good performance from the 24 year old. Provided width down the left hand side causing the Villa defence problems. Did a very good job against Villa’s talented front three.

Liam Kelly: 7

Full of energy right until the moment he was substituted. Tried to make things happen throughout the 90 minutes. Won the penalty that ultimately killed the game off.

Danny Williams: 6

Made a welcome return to the starting line up having been an unused substitute at Norwich last week. Williams provided much needed stability in midfield, making drives forward and breaking play up. Fingers crossed he gets his contract situation sorted out.

John Swift: 6

Like Kelly, Swift tried to make things happen with his creativity. I was impressed by the defensive side of his game.

Lewis Grabban: 8

With two assists and a goal this was easily Grabban’s best performance in a Reading shirt. His pinpoint crossing caused the Villa defence plenty of problems. Hopefully this performance will give Grabban the confidence to push on and help cement Reading’s place in the play-offs.

Joseph Mendes: 8

A brilliant performance from the Frenchman who was making his first league start for Reading. The striker’s pace and strength proved to be a real handful for Villa’s defenders who couldn’t handle him at times. Could have had a hattrick if he had taken a chance that he had midway through the first half. This performance surely gave Stam something to think about in the weeks to come.

Garath McCleary: 6

Didn’t make much of an impact when he came on; needs to get back into form as soon as possible.

Yann Kermorgant: 6

Didn’t get much service when he came on, but he did do well in terms of winding the clock down. Also provided the pass to Liam Kelly which led to the penalty.

George Evans: N/A

Not enough time to make an impact, but good to see him make a welcome return from injury.

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: 6.5

Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:

6.8 - Leeds United H (W 1-0)

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

6.7 - Sheffield Wednesday A (W 2-0)

5.9 - AVERAGE

4.8 - QPR H (L 0-1)

4.7 - Brentford A (L 1-4)

4.4 - Fulham A (L 0-5)